S. Abbo, R. Reifen, A. Avneri

The rising demand for spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) as a high-value grain crop, has raised interest in its introduction into non-traditional spelt growing areas. This study aimed to evaluate spelt lines performance during two field-seasons, under Mediterranean environment, and to study nutritional differences of spelt and bread wheat. In addition, a method to differentiate between spelt and bread wheat grains was developed. Phenotypic evaluation was assessed by screening a collection of 178 spelt lines, while agronomic evaluations was done for a representative panel. The spelt collection was also characterized by distinct photoperiod (PPD) and vernalization (VRN) allelic profiles, grain mineral concentration and percentages of grain protein, fat, neutral detergent fiber and organic matter. Our finding shows that Spelt is not adapted to Mediterranean conditions because of late heading, caused by day-length sensitivity (conferred by the photoperiod-sensitive PPD-D1b allele). Fe and Zn did not significantly correlate with yield. Furthermore, two spelt lines showing high Fe and Zn concentrations in a high-yield background were identified, and may be suitable candidates for spelt wheat breeding in the Mediterranean environment. Adaptation of spelt to the Mediterranean environment may be improved by introducing the photoperiod insensitivePPD-D1a allele to spelt wheat genetic background.