Differentiation of buckwheat cultivars (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) by yield structure elements and productivity under the conditions of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Dmytro Chuiko, Vladyslav Stryzhak, Oleh Tryhub — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The results of a three-year research (2023–2025) of 31 common buckwheat varieties (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) of different ecological and geographical origins under the conditions of the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine are presented. The peculiarities of the formation of plant height, number of leaves and inflorescences, plant productivity, thousand-kernel weight, number of kernels per plant, and kernel set were investigated. The determining role of growth type in shaping plant architecture and productivity was established.

It was found that productivity is formed mainly due to the number of kernels per plant and kernel set (r = 0.95), whereas thousand-kernel weight is a relatively stable trait (V = 7.5%). According to the results of k-means clustering, a group of intensive-type varieties was identified, characterized by the highest average values within the cluster for plant productivity (2.4 g), number of kernels (85.7 pcs.), thousand-kernel weight (27.9 g), and kernel set (3.8).

The varieties ‘Pidmoskovna T’, ‘M NF-84B’, ‘Mariia’, ‘Sumchanka’, ‘Roksolana’, ‘Krupynka’, ‘Selianochka’, and ‘Simka’ were identified as promising sources of valuable traits for further breeding aimed at improving productivity and thousand-kernel weight.

A Slovenian Water-driven Device for Hulling Buckwheat “Stope” is in the Process of Being Registered as Cultural Heritage.

Blanka Vombergar — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0200

A traditional Slovenian water-powered device for hulling buckwheat grain and producing groats is described. According to the traditional Slovenian process mentioned in literature as early as the year 1689, buckwheat grains were quickly boiled in water, drained, and partially dried. This way, the dry husks became brittle, while the inner part of the grains remained firm and elastic enough to not get damaged during the process. In other parts of Slovenian territory, the grain-hulling device was powered by foot (just like in many other places around the world) or with a hand pestle, while in southeastern Slovenia they used a water-driven device. One of the few standalone devices for hulling buckwheat is in Gorenje Vrhpolje near Šentjernej. Because of the significance of this unique device, a process for monument protection has been initiated with the relevant office at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia.