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Description
Triticum Turgidum, also known as durum wheat, is a cereal grain that is widely cultivated and used for making pasta, couscous, and bread. It belongs to the family Poaceae and is a tetraploid species with a chromosome number of 4n=28. Triticum Turgidum is believed to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean region and is now widely grown in many parts of the world.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Triticum |
Appearance
Triticum Turgidum is an annual grass that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has long and narrow leaves that are green in color and can grow up to 50 centimeters in length. The plant produces spikelets that contain the grain, which are typically golden in color. The grains are larger and more elongated compared to other wheat species.
Care Guide
Triticum Turgidum requires moderate care to grow and thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: The plant requires regular fertilization to promote growth and development. Use a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to grow and produce a good yield. Make sure it is planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Triticum Turgidum can grow in a wide range of hardiness zones, but it prefers zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Triticum Turgidum is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: Small insects that feed on the plant’s sap, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.- Fusarium Head Blight: A fungal disease that causes the heads of the plant to shrivel and turn pink or purple.- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating to form on the leaves and stems of the plant.- Wheat Stem Sawfly: A pest that feeds on the stem of the plant, causing it to break and fall over.
Habitat
Triticum Turgidum is widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia. It can grow in a wide range of climates, from temperate to subtropical. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: What is Triticum Turgidum used for?
A: Triticum Turgidum is used for making pasta, couscous, and bread.
Q: What is the origin of Triticum Turgidum?
A: Triticum Turgidum is believed to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean region.
Q: What is the chromosome number of Triticum Turgidum?
A: Triticum Turgidum is a tetraploid species with a chromosome number of 4n=28.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Triticum Turgidum?
A: The common pests and diseases of Triticum Turgidum include aphids, fusarium head blight, powdery mildew, and wheat stem sawfly.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Triticum Turgidum:- Triticum Aestivum (Common Wheat)- Triticum Compactum (Club Wheat)- Triticum Durum (Durum Wheat)- Triticum Spelta (Spelt Wheat)
References
– Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2019). Durum wheat. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/durum-wheat/en/- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Triticum turgidum. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287249&isprofile=0&- Purdue University. (n.d.). Fusarium head blight. Retrieved from https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-33-W.pdf- University of Minnesota Extension. (2020). Wheat pests. Retrieved from https://extension.umn.edu/pest-management/wheat-pests
