For centuries, the slender wheat stalk has fascinated people. Delicate but strong enough to hold the weight of an ear of wheat, the stalk keeps its bounty well above the ground. Only recently did we learn that the wheat stalk’s internal structure resembles a reinforced concrete structure. Nature has fortified the stalk with sturdy fibers that act like steel rebar.
But when a bountiful harvest faces a hurricane or a storm with heavy rain and hail, the stalks often can’t withstand the force. They break and bend, leaving the precious ears of wheat on the ground. Harvest fallen grain is a challenging task, and the losses can be significant.
Soviet agronomists succeeded in developing wheat varieties with stalks that are solidly filled, much like a tree trunk. These remarkable plants show much greater resilience. They can withstand heavy rains and fierce winds with ease!
