The rain of the recent period caused the ripe wheat to sprout in the ear in parts of the country. However, the recent examination carried out by the Association of Grain Producers shows that the quality of wheat wasn’t seriously affected. The Association’s head Nicanor Buzovoi has told IPN that if the rain continues, the grains will germinate in the ear.

Nicanor Buzovoi said the rain will lead to a reduction in the content of gluten in grains and their quality will be worse. The elasticity of dough from grain flour is given by the gluten. The proteins that form the gluten are responsible for the existence or inexistence of this property of dough. A lower quantity of gluten will make the dough less stretchy.

According to “Novyi Region” Agency, the Transnistrian administration also said that the quality of wheat and barley, which only started to be collected, was affected by the rain. Local specialists said the content of gluten in grain before rain was 22-24%, but now is at most 20%.

Last autumn, wheat was sowed on 325,000 ha. Before the heavy rain, the farmers were optimistic that the wheat harvest will be almost twice larger than last year.

Harvesting began only in the southern districts of the country as the grains are not yet ripe in most parts. Weather forecasters said the rain will stop by July 11.