Triticale

Triticale (pronounced trit-ih-KAY-lee) is a hybrid of wheat and rye that has been evaluated for grain and forage production. It grows tall like rye, but matures later like wheat. It has a relatively wide leaf and can produce high quality forage if grazed or cut in vegetative or early reproductive stages.

Unfortunately, triticale yields have historically not been greater than wheat. Further, it matures faster than wheat but slower than rye, and its forage quality declines rapidly after seedhead development. Until recently, triticale has been bred for grain production. However, newer varieties have better forage production and, when harvested correctly, can provide excellent quality. Some of these newer varieties work well as single-cut silage or baleage crops, particularly for use in dairy rations. However, triticale has not performed well under grazing in Georgia when planted by itself.

Seed in late September-October. See Establishment of Cool Season Annual Grasses for more details.