Triticale

Triticale

(Interspecific cross of wheat and rye)

Triticale has resulted from crossing wheat as female parent and rye as male parent. Triticale was first generated in the 19th century. By means of crossing, it has successfully been bred in the last 30 years into high-performing varieties combining the tolerance to environmental constraints of rye with the qualities of wheat. In Germany, triticale is cultivated on approximately 400,000 hectares. In the European Union, some 10 million tons of triticale were harvested in 2008.

Potential Energy Plant

Triticale is typically used as livestock feed. It is also increasingly used as energy plant for the production of biogas and biotehanol; Bioethanol. Triticale competes with wheat and rye and needs to prove its advantages by providing better yields, combined with good plant health.

Wilhelm Rimpau, Father of the First Viable Triticale Variety

Today, the work of Wilhelm Rimpau stands out as a milestone in the history of triticale development, since it was his findings that led to the first high-performing, healthy triticale varieties. In 2008, farmers have the choice of 39 triticale varieties listed in the Recommended Plant Variety List of the German Plant Variety Office.

Great Breeding Potential

In order to further improve triticale performance, plant breeders focus on improved yield, quality and resistance. They see a great development potential in using triticale for bioenergy production.