Participatory assessment of minor crops: A situated study on hulled wheats

Expanding crop diversity is essential to address the imminent challenges of agriculture. This is especially true for organic farming, which relies on locally adapted species and varieties. Recently, participatory research approaches have emerged as effective means to support this endeavour. In this study, we collaborated with several stakeholders in the Lyon region, France, to evaluate three minor species related to common wheat (Triticum aestivum subsp. aestivum): einkorn (Triticum monococcum subsp. monococcum), emmer (Triticum turgidum subsp. dicoccum) and spelt (Triticum aestivum subsp. spelta (L.) Thell). First, we assessed the agronomic characteristics of each species, highlighting a distinction of einkorn that was associated with high tillering, high protein content, a long phenological cycle, small kernels and low relative yields. Second, we compared intra-species variabilities, revealing greater variation in emmer and spelt. Lastly, outcomes of the participatory approach, including testing adaptive methods and fostering collective learning, may interest other participatory research groups.