Ancient wheat species are suitable to grain-only and grain plus herbage utilisations in marginal Mediterranean environments

Abstract Thanks to their low fertilization requirements and high consumer demand, ancient wheats old durum wheat cultivars represent an attractive option for the marginal areas of Mediterranean environments no longer cultivated due grain yields attainable using modern cultivars. Dual-purpose utilization may increase value in these cropping systems, but information is available on suitability species this type utilization. To fill gap, Khorasan, einkorn, emmer wheats, clipped at terminal spikelet stage or left unclipped, were compared a two-year field trial. The grains sown month October, Sardinia (41°N, 80 m asl), Italy, low-fertility soils with low-medium rates. Einkorn produced highest biomass yield (2–3 t ha −1 ), reflecting time onset (119–138 days). After clipping, all recovered ability intercept radiation levels unclipped crops, clipping lowered use-efficiency. Grain was not penalized by clipping: harvest index compensated decrease biomass. Here we show first that are suitable dual-purpose (herbage plus same season) rendering them valuable areas; because early sowing adopted allowed take full advantage lateness terms herbage yield, bring flowering forward (i.e. make it earlier) so satisfactory obtained, even under severe water stress. increases sustainability mixed making animals critical period, without decreasing after grazing season.