Demira

Technical Potential of 'Demira' Durum Spring Wheat

Developed by the V. Ya. Yuriev Plant Production Institute of NAAS, 'Demira' is engineered to deliver stable yields of durum wheat within the volatile climatic conditions of Ukraine. The core technical design focuses on an optimized vegetation period (90–100 days) combined with a high density of productive stems (4.5–5.0 million units/ha).

Biological Protection and Morphology

The agronomic resilience of 'Demira' is rooted in its genetically programmed immunity against key pathogens that limit yields in intensive cropping systems. The variety demonstrates complex resistance to:

• Fungal spike infections: Fusarium head blight and common bunt.
• Foliar diseases: brown rust, septoria, and powdery mildew.
• Root rot, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the plant's vascular system during grain filling.

A plant height of 80–90 cm, paired with excellent lodging resistance, minimizes harvesting losses. This allows farmers to plan mechanized operations without the risk of crop loss due to adverse weather conditions prior to harvest.

Grain Quality

As a durum wheat variety, 'Demira' is highly valued by the processing industry. A key metric is its gluten content exceeding 30%, which ensures high-quality end-product characteristics (pasta or durum flour production). A thousand-kernel weight (TKW) of 45–50 grams indicates robust grain filling and a yield potential reaching 6–7 tons per hectare under proper cultivation practices.