Develi Gaceri

Develi gaceri is a hulled wheat variety derived from Triticum turgidum L. var. dicoccum, cultivated in the Develi district of Kayseri and locally known as “gernik”. Gacer is a tetraploid wheat with 2n=28 chromosomes and belongs to the AABB gene group. As it is produced from an unmodified ancient variety of Triticum turgidum L. var. dicoccum, it possesses high-quality grains rich in protein and minerals. Develi gaceri is classified as an emmer wheat that has undergone no genetic intervention beyond natural pollination.

^{Develi Gaceri} (Anadolu Agency)

Description and Morphological Characteristics

The ear of Develi gaceri wheat is covered by a husk, known as “kavuz”, which encloses individual grains, arranged in two opposite rows of single spikelets. This husked structure provides resistance against diseases and fungi.

• Ear Appearance: Grain surfaces are white, hairy and waxy. The growth habit is upright.
• Chromosomes and Genome: It has 2n=28 tetraploid chromosomes and the AABB gene group.
• Growth Habit: It is a summer variety.
• Ear Profile Shape: It has parallel sides.
• Spike Density: It is loose.

Grain and Physical Characteristics

Cultivation Method

Field Preparation and Sowing

As Develi gaceri is not winter-hardy, it is sown in February–March as a summer crop.

• Soil Preparation: Ploughing is carried out before winter using either double or triple ploughing methods. After each harvest, the field is ploughed perpendicular to the slope at a depth of 15–20 cm while still in shade.

• Sowing Method: Sowing can be done traditionally by broadcasting or mechanically using direct seeding of hulled grains. The most suitable method is combined sowing with a seed drill.

• Seed Quantity: The seed quantity used for sowing ranges from 20 to 30 kg (in hulled form). When using a seed drill, 16–18 kg per hectare is sufficient; if broadcasting, an additional 2–3 kg should be added to this amount.

• Sowing Depth and Row Spacing: Sowing is performed with a row spacing of 15–20 cm and a sowing depth of 4–6 cm.

Fertilization and Irrigation

• Fertilization: As Develi gaceri is grown on steep, low-intensity farmland, its fertilizer requirement is low. Where necessary, it can be cultivated without irrigation by applying 1.5–2 tons of farmyard manure per hectare.

• Irrigation: If adequate and regular rainfall occurs during the growing season, no irrigation is required. In cases of unpredictable climate changes, supplemental water can be applied using sprinkler irrigation.

Harvesting and Storage

• Harvest Time: July–August. It reaches harvest maturity 20–25 days later than conventional winter-sown wheats, typically between 25 July and 10 August.

• Harvest Method: Harvesting is performed using a combine harvester. Due to its husked structure, fully dehulled grains cannot be obtained directly during mechanical harvesting. Therefore, after threshing, the grains are separated from their husks in a stone mill and then winnowed.

• Storage Conditions: Storage areas must not exceed 15°C and grain moisture content must be maintained between 10% and 12%.

• Storage Method: The portion intended for table use is stored in bulk in warehouses before husk removal. The portion intended for seed use (with husks intact) may be stored in sacks. Products intended for table use or milling are stored after husk removal in cloth sacks (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50 kg and above) or in paper/plastic packaging (250, 500 and 1000 g).

^{Develi Gaceri} (Anadolu Agency)

Yield

The average yield of Develi gaceri is 105 kg per hectare, varying between 75 and 130 kg per hectare depending on climatic and soil conditions.

Usage and Regulation

Usage Method

The branded logo and certification mark must appear on the product itself or its packaging. If this is not feasible, the logo and mark must be displayed prominently within the production facility.

Regulation

Inspections are conducted by a five-member regulatory body coordinated by Develi Municipality and Kayseri University, with participation from Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality, Develi District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Develi Chamber of Agriculture, Safiye Çıkrıkçıoğlu Vocational School of Kayseri University, and one expert appointed by Develi Municipality.

Inspection Frequency

Inspections are carried out twice annually, covering the sowing period (February–March) and the harvest period (July–August). Additional inspections may be conducted at any time if deemed necessary or upon complaint.

Inspection Criteria

• Appropriateness of the wheat variety used in production.
• Compliance of field conditions, storage and packaging practices with production methods.
• Conformity of the harvested product’s morphological, agronomic and grain characteristics.
• Proper use of the brand label, logo and certification mark.