Sunday, May 11, 2014

Vavilov in Color

The patch of Vavilov wheat, growing in Emerson Avenue Community Garden, has surpassed its neighbor, Brazilian Lavras, in height.  However, half a dozen of the plants growing in the Vavilov patch are maturing before their comrades, at a height that is more than a foot shorter.
A clump of shorter Vavilov
Most surprising, the stems of these plants, and particularly their seeds heads, are deep purple in color.
















And yet another thing.  Many of the taller, green seed heads have an odd shape, with a broader base of kernels, becoming more regular on the top half.  Breeders experienced in Vavilov growing say it often has uneven seed heads.  
















Vavilov is considered challenging to thresh.

Sonora Progress in Santa Barbara County

Here is some impressive progress in Curtis Davenport's Sonora fields, which he planted in mid February.

Sprouts on April 4, 2014
Same field on May 10



















Here is a closer view of the developing seed heads.


Seed heads on waist-high Sonora












Rains have been encouraging, but additional irrigation has been necessary.