Triticale

Triticale is a much maligned cereal crop, whose potential has not been realised in the UK. Elsewhere, particularly Poland, Germany and Sweden, it finds its place on the farm and market. Inherently, with a lower protein than wheat, triticale could have an important role in the emerging bioethanol market, where its growing cost efficiency will provide cost effective feedstock with excellent functionality.

Considering crop energy balances, triticale would have a lower carbon footprint than wheat. Further tightening of nitrogen levels or energy inputs could herald much needed impetus for this crop.

Triticale produces grain with high lycine values and so is ideal for on-farm feeding. As a versatile low input crop other uses of triticale include whole crop production, organic grain production, game cover and thatching.

In recent season, with increasing disease pressure yellow rust has occasionally been found in most varieties currently on the HGCA Descriptive List. Growers should be aware and use a fungicide where appropriate. Please consult your agronomist.