Triticale Agronomy

Place in Rotation

Triticale can be grown throughout the UK and has often found its place as a 2nd or 3rd cereal. The main advantage of triticale is that the yields can be produced with relatively low inputs.

Suitable Situations for Triticale
Triticale has traditionally been grown on light marginal soils but with the introduction of shorter, stiff-strawed varieties, it is now being considered in more fertile situations.

Sowing Date
In general terms it is preferable to sow triticale early, particularly on lighter soils, with the optimum drilling date being before the end of October. It should be noted that early sown material might become susceptible to BYDV.

Triticale can also be sown as a spring crop, latest date dependent on conditions, soil etc. Winter varieties will require a small amount of vernilisation.

Seed Rates
Under normal conditions, the optimum drilling rate for triticale is 150 kg/ha.

Weed Control
Triticale growth particularly in the spring is rapid and as a consequence the crop is usually quite competitive.

As triticale remains a minor crop, growers should consult with their specialist agro-chemical adviser to best direct them on a spray programme relative to their individual situation

Fertiliser Requirement
Triticale as a crop is responsive to nitrogen. On lighter soils the suggested rate is 130kg/ha. The stiffer-strawed varieties perform particularly well at the higher rates of around 170kg/ha. Care should be taken with spring applications, which can increase the risk of lodging. First nitrogen applications should be made in late February with the main application prior to first node.

Plant Growth Regulators
Plant Growth regulators have been used very effectively with triticale, especially in higher risk situations or where weak strawed varieties have been used. Grenado has short, stiff straw and may not benefit from a PGR application. Consult your agronomist.

Disease Resistance
As a minor crop with inherently good disease resistance, triticale is not usually scored for disease resistance.European varieties can show a range of resistance to rusts. Senova varieties genereally show good resistance to diseases.

Harvest
Triticale is harvested at about the same time as wheat and produces a slightly greater volume of straw.

Senova Ltd, 49 North Road, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AS Tel: +44 (0)1223 890777, Fax: +44 (0)1223 890666 Email: info@senova.uk.com