Triticale

× Triticosecale

1. Identification and origin

Triticale (× Triticosecale) is a hybrid cereal obtained from the cross between wheat (Triticum spp.) and rye (Secale cereale L.). The aim of the hybridisation was to combine the productivity and quality of wheat with the hardiness and tolerance of poor soils of rye. The modern development of triticale began in the twentieth century, with stable and fertile cultivars now widely used in dryland and irrigated production systems.

2. Economic importance

Triticale is valued for its high productivity, good tolerance of cold and capacity to adapt to less fertile soils. It is used above all for animal feed (grain and forage), silage and, on a smaller scale, for breadmaking and industry. In Portugal, it has growing relevance in extensive systems of the Alentejo and inland regions, where it stands out for its good performance in dry years and for its productive stability.

3. Botanical characterisation

Triticale presents intermediate characteristics between wheat and rye. The plants are annual, with hollow stems, linear leaves and a deep and vigorous root system. The inflorescence is a spike similar to that of wheat, but more elongated and with greater hardiness. The grains are caryopses of variable size, with a protein content generally higher than that of wheat. The morphology and the cycle vary between cultivars, influencing adaptation to different environments.

4. Soil and climate requirements

Triticale adapts well to temperate and Mediterranean climates, with good tolerance of cold and greater resistance to drought than wheat. It prefers well-drained soils of medium texture, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It tolerates poorer and more acidic soils than Triticum aestivum. Productivity is favoured by adequate autumn–winter rainfall and moderate temperatures during grain filling.

5. Main pests

• Cereal aphid (Sitobion avenae, Rhopalosiphum padi) — sap sucking and transmission of viruses
• Grain weevil (Sitophilus granarius) — damage to stored grain
• Caterpillars (Helicoverpa armigera, Mythimna unipuncta) — reduction of leaf area
• Frit fly (Oscinella frit) — damage to seedlings and tillers
• Nematodes (Heterodera avenae) — root cysts and reduction of vigour

6. Main diseases

• Brown rust (Puccinia triticina) — leaf pustules and loss of productivity
• Yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis) — yellow stripes and necroses
• Septoria leaf blotch (Zymoseptoria tritici) — leaf spots and reduction of photosynthesis
• Fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum, F. culmorum) — bleaching of the spike and mycotoxins
• Powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) — white coating and reduction of vigour

7. General crop management

Triticale management is based on selecting cultivars suited to the climate and the production system. Crop rotation is essential to reduce the pressure of foliar and soilborne diseases. Fertilisation should be balanced, with attention to nitrogen to avoid lodging. Certified and treated seed reduces the risks of early diseases. Monitoring of rusts, septoria and aphids is critical at sensitive stages. Harvesting should occur when the grain reaches a moisture level adequate for safe storage.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – × Triticosecale
• CABI – Crop Protection Compendium – × Triticosecale
• Oettler, G. (2005). The fortune of a botanical curiosity — triticale: past, present and future. Journal of Agricultural Science, 143, 329–346.
• Mergoum, M. et al. (2009). Triticale: a “new” crop with old challenges. In: Carena, M. J. (ed.). Cereals. Springer.
• Randhawa, H. S. et al. (2015). Triticale breeding — progress and prospects. Molecular Breeding, 35, 1–16.