Common buckwheat originated in central and western China and was brought to Europe in the Middle Ages. It is cultivated for its grain-like seeds which are rich in carbohydrates, protein, and minerals. Major producers include Russia, China, and the US. Buckwheat thrives in cool, moist climates and grows best in light, medium-textured soils. It has a short growing period and is susceptible to lodging in heavy rain or wind. The plant's triangular seeds, which resemble beech nuts, give it its name.

1. Naveed tariq
12-arid-275

2. BUCK WHEAT
 Botanical name :Fagopyrum esculentum
 Family: polygonaceae
 Crop : Di-cot, annual

3. Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is
thought to have originated in central and western
China from a wild Asian species Fagropyrum
cymosum. It has been cultivated in China for over
1,000 years, and was brought to Europe during the
Middle Ages.

4. The Scots coined the word "buckwheat" from two
Anglo-Saxon terms, boc(beech) and whoet(wheat).
The word beech was used since the fruit of the
plant was similar to that of beechnut. It was called
wheat because the grain of buckwheat was used in
the same way as wheat. This term is somewhat
ironic since buckwheat does not belong to the
grass family and is not considered a "true" cereal

5. World acreage of buckwheat has been as high as 5 million
acres (2 million hectares). Producers include the former
Soviet Union, China, Brazil, Poland, France, Japan, United
States, South Africa and Australia. The former Soviet
Union (54 per cent) and China (38 per cent) make up the
largest percentage of world production.

6. Economic importance
 Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a plant
cultivated for its grain-like seeds, and also used as
a cover crop.
 Its seeds are eaten and rich in complex carbohydrates,
it is referred to as a pseudocereal.

7. Nutritional valueAmount Per 100 grams
 Calories 343
 Total Fat 3.4 g 5%
 Saturated fat 0.7 g 3%
 Polyunsaturated fat 1 g
 Monounsaturated fat 1 g
 Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
 Sodium 1 mg 0%
 Potassium 460 mg 13%
 Total Carbohydrate 72 g 24%
 Dietary fiber 10 g 40%
 Protein 13 g 26%

8. Nutritional value
 Calcium 1%
 Iron 12%
 Vitamin B-6 10%
 Vitamin B-1 20%
 Magnesium 57%
 *Per cent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie
diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower
depending on your calorie needs.

9. Buckwheat thrives in cool, moist climates. It is not
frost tolerant. Because of its short growing period.
High temperatures and dry conditions during
flowering may cause some flower blast and lower
yields. Cool evening temperatures and high humidity
favour buckwheat growth.
Growers in areas with frequent heavy rain and strong
wind should consider the risks in growing
buckwheat. It is very susceptible to lodging because
of its hollow stem and is easily flattened by high
wind and heavy rain.

10. Buckwheat can be grown on a wide range of soil types, but
it is best suited to light and medium-textured soils, such as
sandy loam, loam and silt loam. Clay soils and highly
fertile soils should be avoided. Buckwheat is as acid
tolerant as oat or potato. Liming soils above a pH of five
should not be necessary.

11. General recommendations for added nutrients are as
follows: (22 - 45 kg/ha) nitrogen, depending on
whether the crop is planted on summer fallow, pulse
stubble or cereal stubble. Normal rates for phosphate
range from (30 - 45 kg/ha). Potash is generally
recommended if the crop is grown on sandy loam
soils. The suggested rate for potash in these cases
would be (35 - 70 kg/ha). When sulphur is required
(15 kg/ha). No more than 5 lb/ac (5.6 kg/ha) nitrogen
and 20 lb/ac (22 kg/ha) phosphate should be applied
with the seed.

12. seed
Buckwheat has
triangular seed
The name 'buckwheat' or
'beech wheat' comes from
its triangular seeds, which
resemble the much larger
seeds of the beech nut
from the beech tree, and
the fact that it is used like
wheat.

13. Root system
 The plant has a
branching root
system with one
primary root that
reaches deeply into
the moist soil

14. The tall erect plant can grow from 2 to 5 ft. (.6 - 1.5 m) in
height and can produce several branches.Stems are hollow
and the plant is very prone to lodging. Stems vary in colour
from green to red and brown at maturity.

15. Food for humans, feed for livestock, a honey crop,
smother and green manure crop.
Buckwheat grain is of lower quality than cereal grains
when used for livestock feeds and is usually fed in
combination with barley, oats or corn.
Buckwheat has also been used as a smother crop for
controlling weeds such as quack grass, Canada
thistle, sow thistle, leafy spurge and Russian
knapweed.

16. Practical activity

17. Date: 27-8-15
Controlled conditions:
Duration: For a week
light: 5(ls)
humidity: 78%
Irrigation: with one day interval
NO. of seed planted : 64
NO. of seed germinated: 44
Germination percentage: 69%

18. Date: 7-9-15
No. of pots:10
No. of plant:24

19. Date: 28-9-15
No. of flower per
bunch:10-12
Rate of seed set: 3-
4/bunch
Seed setting start:10-10-15

20. Buckwheat has an indeterminate growth habit. The plant
matures from the bottom upwards, flowering until cut or
killed by a frost. At harvest, mature seed, immature seed
and a few flowers will be present. A grower must
determine when to start harvest before losses occur due to
shattering.
Harvest should begin when 75 per cent of the seeds have
reached physiological maturity, and the plants have lost a
majority of their leaves.

21. Diseases
There are few reports of diseases in buckwheat. Leaf
spot caused by a fungus called Ramilaria can
occur. Rhizoctonia (root rot), downy mildew and
aster yellows have also been found. None of these
diseases is of any economic importance.
Insects
Japanese beetles, aphids, cutworms and wireworms
have all been reported in buckwheat. Japanese
beetles do the most damage, attacking the flower
head, and on occasion, can cause major economic
loss.