Ancient Grain Cultures at the Zugdidi Botanical Garden (Setaria italica, Panicum miliaceum)

Abstract

Before the introduction of maize culture in the 17th century, the main food crops in Georgia, particularly in its western part (Colchis), were: Setaria italica, Panicum miliaceum.

Setaria italica was first described by C. Linnaeus in 1753 under the name Panicum italica L. The descriptions of Italian travelers Josaphat Barbaro and Ambrogio Contarini indicate that Setaria italica was one of the main food sources for the Colchians. Significant information is provided in the 17th century descriptions of Italian missionaries, such as Pietro Avitabile (1623-1634), Giuseppe Giudice (1632-1640), and Cristoforo Castelli (1632-1645), who note that Setaria italica was the principal cereal crop cultivated in ancient Colchis.