Organic field trials to promote Hungarian organic cereal production – testing wheat varieties

Abstract

Among various factors affecting the cultivation of organic cereals, the biological basis is one of the most important ones. Within organic arable cropping the cash crop grown on the largest surface in Hungary is common wheat (Triticum aestivum). 2012-2015 we conducted a series of participatory on-farm experiments involving a number of organic farmers from all over Hungary in order to identify best suited wheat varieties for Hungarian organic farming. We studied the most important standard quality measures (protein, gluten, falling number) and yields, which strongly affect the economy of organic cereal production. Results show that there is a gap between conventional breeding aims and demands in organic farming. Moreover, even farmers’ proven varieties cannot guaranty premium quality yield in climatically difficult years. There is strong need to continue variety testing and identification of well adapted cultivars.

Keywords: organic wheat variety test, on-farm research, Hungary