As the name suggests, late varieties of wheat crop are those that take longer to mature and are typically planted in regions with longer growing seasons. They are usually planted in the latter part of the growing season since they take an extended period to reach maturity. Late varieties are popular among farmers and wheat cultivators because they typically have higher yields and quality.
One of the most commonly planted late varieties of wheat is the hard red winter wheat. This crop is commonly cultivated in the Great Plains region of the United States. Hard red winter wheat is preferred for its high protein content and baking quality. It is known for its high yield, drought tolerance, and resistance to diseases like stripe rust and fusarium head blight.
Another popular late variety is the soft red winter wheat. This crop is primarily cultivated in the Southeastern United States, where it is planted in mid-October and harvested in late May. Soft red winter wheat is known for its excellent milling quality and is typically used in the production of cakes and pastries.
Durum wheat is another late variety that is widely grown in the United States. This crop is mainly grown in the Northern Plains region and is known for its hard texture and high-gluten content. Durum wheat is primarily used to produce pasta products such as spaghetti and macaroni.
Barley is also a late variety that is widely grown in the United States. This crop is typically planted in early spring and harvested in late summer or early fall. Barley is used for various purposes including malt for brewing, animal feed, and food products such as breakfast cereals.
In conclusion, late varieties of wheat crop are an essential component in wheat production worldwide. Farmers and wheat cultivators continue to develop new and improved strains to achieve higher yields and better quality. The different varieties available in the market offer varying returns to farmers and cultivators based on their intended use and specific crop traits.