Wheat

It is the third most important cereal crop in the world, being a main (staple) dietary component for 36% of the world’s population. Today, its area of cultivation exceeds that of any other crop. In order for wheat to be able to meet the needs of a growing population (growing at 1.15% per year), the projected demand for the year 2022 is 1 billion tonnes. The main reasons why wheat has a leading position in the world diet are its ability to provide more than 20% of the calories and protein needed by humans, as well as its ease of transport and its ability to be stored for long periods of time. In Greece, durum wheat (Triticum ssp. durum) is currently grown on 3.450.000 stremma of land, compared to soft wheat (Triticum ssp. aestivum L.), which is grown on 1.225.000 stremma. Fertilisation applications start in the winter period with basic fertilisation. This is followed at a later stage by top-dressing applications. Excellent results are also achieved by the foliar applications of special nutrient formulations – bio-stimulants – which maximise the genetic potential of the crop, while at the same time ensuring that its resistance to abiotic stress is strengthened.