Triticale and other small grain cereals for forage and grain in Mediterranean conditions

Abstract

In field experiments conducted over 2 years, triticale was compared with barley, bread wheat and oats for its dual-purpose (forage and grain) capability.The effect of spring forage removal on grain yield ranged from small yield increases (in the triticale and barley genotypes that otherwise lodged) to a 53% decrease, and was dependent on species, genotype, stage of development when cut, and time for recovery before grain harvest. A key factor influencing grain yield after early cutting was the number of spikes that developed.The complete types of triticale were better than the one substituted type tested for dual purpose but, as there is variability among them, selection for good mixed aptitude is possible.The production of the best triticale averaged over 2 years 3 t of forage DM ha"' (with 684 kg of crude protein ha-') and then 4-3 t of grain ha~'. In this instance, neither the grain yield nor the number of spikes per plant were reduced after clipping, in spite of the fact that the shoot apices were removed.Plant height and lodging were reduced by a forage cut. In triticale, the number of days to heading was increased even more when the cut was late, but no effect was observed in barley.

Grain yield and yield components as affected by forage removal in winter and spring triticale

“…Triticale (ϫ Triticosecale Wittmack) is used mainly as a grain crop for animal feed in the Mediterranean region, but its dual-purpose potential has been pointed out in some recent studies (Andrews et al, 1991;Royo et al, 1993;1994). Winter and spring triticale are known to be morphologically and agronomically different (Royo et al, 1995).…”

“…Winter and spring triticale are known to be morphologically and agronomically different (Royo et al, 1995). Some studies have been published concerning the suitability of winter (Poysa, 1985) and spring triticale (García del Moral, 1992;Royo et al, 1993;1994) as a dualpurpose crop, but comparative studies of both growth habits are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare the suitability of winter and spring triticale for forage as well as grain production.…”

“…However, substantial grain reductions have occurred even without removal of apical meristems (Dann, 1968;Dunphy et al, 1982). Moreover, grain yields similar to those of uncut plots have followed the elimination of triticale growing points (Royo et al, 1993).…”

Response of Triticale Grain Yield and Yield Components to Number of Cuttings in a Mediterranean Environment

“…The triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack), a relatively new cereal produced by crossmg the genus Triticum with Secale, has been used principally as grain feed for livestock (BiSHNOI and HUGHES 1979). Nevertheless, the high quantity of biomass which triticale can produce makes this cereal apt as a forage crop (GARCIA DEL MORAL 1992, ROYO et al 1993). In the literature, results vary concerning the dual use of triticale for forage and grain.…”

Comparative feeding value of steam-flaked triticale as a replacement for steam-flaked corn in finishing diets for feedlot cattle

“…Its crude protein content, although quite variable (8-24%, Farell et al 1983;Royo et al 1993;Goonewardene et al 1994;Wojtkowiak et al 2014), is generally greater than that of either wheat or rye. Agronomic performance of improved triticale hybrids is comparable to wheat (Royo & Pares 1996).…”