Also, the recommendation is to not plant durum if there is any chance ofa rainstorm immediately after planting. Hessian fly is a potential insect problem for durum, as are rusts. Breeding programs are in place to develop resistance to these two problems. In general, herbicides labeled for wheat can be used for durum, but growers are cautioned to check labels. Goat grass has not been a problem to date.
Timely harvest can also be important.
Van Pelt says rain makes durum dull and mills like shiny reddish-amber kernels. Durum markets tend to be variety specific. Certain pasta producers tend to like specific varieties. At the present time, domestic use of durum is increasing and exports are decreasing. In the Pacific Northwest, between 3,500 and 5,000 acres were contracted two years ago.