Agronomic and qualitative traits of T-turgidum ssp dicoccum genotypes cultivated in Italy

The increasing popularity of organic agriculture and health food products has led to a renewed interest in hulled wheat species such as emmer (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccum Schubler). Knowledge on agronomic and quality traits is required for effective and efficient use of germplasm collections in breeding programs. The objective of this study was to estimate agronomic and grain quality traits of emmer wheat cultivated in Italy. A total of 20 emmer accessions consisting of landraces, breeding lines or cultivars selected from landraces and modern cultivars were examined under low input conditions. The study was conducted for three successive years (2002-2004) at one location of Southern Italy (Foggia). The entries were characterized for agronomic and qualitative traits [grain yield (t ha(-1)), thousand grain weight (g), test weight (kg hl(-1)), grain protein content (%), HMWG composition, dry gluten content (%), gluten index and yellow index, alveograph indices and Total Organic Matter (TOM) on cooked pasta]. The results showed a large genetic variability for most of the traits measured and, even if most of the accessions showed inferior bread- and pasta-making performance, modern cultivars exhibited improved quality traits with some potential to perform healthy and tasty food.