Triticale Cultivars Research Articles

The influence of conditions on water holding capacity characteristics of triticale varieties planted in the Samarkand region

In this article, the possibilities of water holding capacity in the leaves of triticale varieties were studied in the conditions of LFMC-70% and arid LFMC-50% of grassland-gray soils of Samarkand region, and the drought resistance characteristics of the varieties were studied. LFMC (Limited Field Moisture Capacity) was maintained at 70% under normal conditions and LFMC at 50% under dry conditions. According to the results of the experimental analysis, drought conditions had a significant and negative effect on the productivity of all studied genotypes. It was found that triticale cultivars "Odessiy" and "Tikhon" grown under LFMC-50% conditions in drought conditions meet water deficit less in all development phases and at all times of the day and are drought resistant compared to other cultivars. Analysis of the physiological and biochemical bases of adaptation in the selection of drought-resistant triticale varieties and the research conducted on the selection and obtaining of fertile varieties suitable for this region are described.

Assessment of adaptive properties of winter triticale cultivars by yield in the Middle Urals

Triticale is a versatile crop with high yield potential but insufficient resistance to unfavourable growing conditions. Therefore, the combination of high yield, adaptability, plasticity, stability and stress resistance of varieties is of great importance. The purpose of the research is to assess the adaptive potential of winter triticale cultivars according to the "yield" trait in agroecological conditions of the Middle Urals. Field studies were conducted in the Udmurt Republic in the years with contrasting weather conditions (2021–2023), the index of environmental conditions varied from -128 to 152. Forty-five cultivars of various ecological and geographical origin were studied. The analysis of the adaptive potential of the cultivars was carried out using various statistical methods. As a result, the most adaptive cultivars for the agroecological conditions of the Middle Urals were identified. The cultivars ‘Beta’, ‘Tribune’, ‘Topaz’, ‘Linda’ (Russia), ‘Mayak’, ‘Ales’ (Belarus), ‘Torchinsky’ (Ukraine) were char- acterized by high responsiveness to improving environmental conditions (bi = 1.82 2.01). The cultivars ‘Giray’, ‘Bereket’, ‘Ataman Platov’ (Russia), ‘Amulet’ (Belarus) showed relatively high stress resistance. The cultivars ‘Beta’, ‘Zimogor’, AD 1405, ‘Topaz’, ‘Kornet’ (Russia) were distinguished by a high compensatory ability. The cultivars ‘Bereket’ and ‘Ataman Platov’ had the lowest yield variability and at the same time high homeostaticity. When ranking the tested cultivars according to the listed indicators, the top ten most stable and plastic cultivars were ‘Zimogor’, ‘Kornet’, ‘Ataman Platov’, ‘Bereket’, ‘Nemchinovsky 56’, ‘Izhevskaya 2’, ‘Imprint’, ‘Bard’ (Russia), ‘Impulse’ (Belarus), ‘Chernobrivets’ (Ukraine), with a total ranking score from 55 to 95 points. The listed cultivars can be classified as the most valuable. In the agroecological conditions of the Middle Urals, it is advisable to cultivate varieties that combine high yields and adaptability – ‘Zimogor’, ‘Kornet’, ‘Izhevskaya 2’, and according to intensive technology – ‘Beta’ cultivar. The cultivars ‘Ataman Platov’, ‘Chernobrivets’, ‘Bereket’, ‘Bard’, ‘Impulse’, ‘Nemchinovsky 56’ also have practical value as a source material in the breeding of winter triticale to increase productivity and adaptability. A comparison of different methods for determining the adaptability of cultivars to specific environmental conditions showed the practical equivalence of the indicators of yield range, yield variation coefficient and homeostaticity.

Molecular identification of yellow rust resistance genes in some wheat and triticale cultivars and their resistance to Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici

Molecular identification of yellow rust resistance genes in some wheat and triticale cultivars and their resistance to Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici

Usefulness of alien sterilizing cytoplasms for the hybrid breeding of triticale (xTriticosecale Wittmack): preliminary results.

To be useful for cereal breeding, cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) should express the complete sterility of maternal lines and the full restoration of the male fertility of F1 hybrids. The most reliable source of sterilizing cytoplasm for triticale is Triticum timopheevi; however, due to the low frequency of efficient non-restorer genotypes for this cytoplasm, new sources of CMS are needed. In this study, aside from T. timopheevi (T) cytoplasm, three alternative CMS sources were tested: Pampa (P) from Secale cereale L., Aegilops sharonensis (A), and Ae. ventricosa (V). The suitability of these cytoplasms for breeding was assessed based on the male fertility/sterility of F1 hybrids obtained through the manual pollination of CMS maternal lines with 36 triticale cultivars and breeding strains. About half of the hybrids with each type of cytoplasm were fully fertile and produced more than 30 grains per bagged spike. The highest percentage was found in hybrids with P cytoplasm (58.33%) and the lowest in hybrids with A cytoplasm (44.44%). Male sterility was observed in hybrids with P cytoplasm (16.67%) and A cytoplasm (16.67%) but not in hybrids with T or V cytoplasm. In terms of practical aspects, male sterility systems with P or A cytoplasm exhibit similarity in their ability to restore male fertility that differ from the T and V cytoplasms. Although all studied cytoplasms exhibited some disadvantages for breeding purposes, none should be definitively classified as unacceptable for future breeding programs regarding the development of triticale hybrid cultivars.

Breadmaking Quality Parameters of Different Varieties of Triticale Cultivars.

The aim of this research is to investigate the quality of different triticale cultivars (Ingen 35, Ingen 33, Ingen 93, Ingen 54, Ingen 40, Fanica and Costel) cultivated in the Republic of Moldova from the point of view of the flour, dough, and bread quality characteristics. This research may be of great importance for producers and consumers due to the high production capacity, wide adaptability, economic significance in human foods and nutritional value of triticale cultivars. The triticale flours were analyzed for moisture, ash, protein, wet gluten, fat, carbohydrates, acidity and color parameters (L*, a* and b* values). According to the chemical values, the triticale flours were suitable for breadmaking. The moisture content was less than 14% for all triticale varieties, indicating a long shelf life during its storage and the lowest protein content of 13.1%. The mixing, pasting and fermentation characteristics of triticale dough were analyzed using Mixolab, falling number, dynamic rheometer, alveograph and rheofermentometer devices. All triticale flours presented high levels of α-amylase, with falling number values being less than 70 s. The bread quality characteristics analyzed were the loaf volume, porosity, acidity, and sensory characteristics, and the textural parameters examined were the hardness, gumminess, chewiness, cohesiveness, and resilience. Our data showed large differences in breadmaking quality parameters. However, according to the sensory data, all the bread samples except those obtained from the Costel variety were of a very good quality, being within a total sensory range of 25.26-29.85 points. According to the relationships between flour, dough and bread characteristics obtained through principal component analysis, it may be concluded that the triticale varieties Costel, Ingen 33, Ingen 93 and Fanica, and Ingen 35 were more closely associated with each other. Significant differences were found between the triticale variety samples Ingen 40, Fanica, and Ingen 35 and between Ingen 54, Ingen 33, Costel, and Ingen 93.

The effect of different doses of multi-nutrient fertilisers on macro-element content in two spring triticale cultivars

A field experiment was conducted in the years 2017–2019 at Borki-Wyrki, Zbuczyn Gmina (commune). Three experimental factors were examined in the trial: factor one was spring triticale cultivar (Milewo, Dublet), factor two was mineral fertiliser type (Polifoska 6, Polifoska Krzem) and factor three was mineral fertiliser rate (0, 140, 280 and 420 kg ha–1). Phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium contents in grain varied in study years as affected by weather patterns. The highest phosphorus, magnesium and sodium contents were determined in the grain of spring triticale cv. Dublet whereas the highest potassium and calcium contents in cv. Milewo grain. The applied fertiliser rates increased mineral contents, excluding magnesium and sodium, in the grain of test cultivars. Chemical composition analysis of grain of the spring triticale cultivars demonstrated that there was no significant effect of fertiliser type on grain quality.

Wholegrain triticale sourdough: Effects of triticale:Wheat flour ratio and hydration level on bread quality.

Triticale (×Triticosecale) is a hybrid between wheat (Triticum spp.) and rye (Secale cereale), producing higher grain yields than wheat in challenging environments. Triticale grain is also highly nutritious. Thus, the potential of triticale grain for an expanded range of food applications should be explored. Sourdough bread has unique functional and nutritional properties, but understanding the effects of partial substitution of triticale for wheat flour and varying levels of dough moisture content on sourdough quality requires further research. The aim of this study was to evaluate the wholegrain flour of contrasting triticale cultivars in comparison to that of a common wheat cultivar in commercial sourdough breadmaking. Two triticale cultivars (Goanna and Hawkeye, selected from a panel of Australian genotypes) and one wheat cultivar (Scout) were grown in a field trial in northern NSW, Australia. Differences in quantitative texture and color parameters of the dough and sourdough bread resulting from (1) substitution of commercial wholemeal wheat flour with different proportions of wholegrain triticale or wholegrain wheat (Scout) flour (0%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%) and (2) varying the amount of water included in the dough preparation (70%, 80%, 90%, and 100 g water/100 g flour) were determined. Replacement of wholemeal wheat flour with 60% wholegrain Goanna flour (protein content 12.76%; c.f. 11.50% for Hawkeye, 12.40% for Scout), and addition of 100 g water/100 g flour in the dough preparation gave the highest quality sourdough bread based on specific volume, texture, and color parameters and had similar properties to the control made from wheat alone.

Effect of application of foliar herbicides on the productivity and physical parameters of triticale cultivars (xTriticosecale Wittm.)

Abstract. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of application of herbicides on productivity and physical parameters of triticale cultivars. The research was carried out in 2018 –2021 at Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute, General Toshevo (DAI). The following herbicides were used: Ergon WG (50 g/ha), Starane Gold (1800 ml/ha), Biatlon 4D+Desh (50 g/ha+500 ml/ha) and Korelo Duo+Das Oil (260.5 g/ha +500 ml/ha) from the group of sulfunylureas with various mechanisms of action. The preparations were applied at stage 29 and 37 (according to Zadoks) of three triticale cultivars, Akord, Kolorit and Dobrudzhanets. The herbicide effect was determined by the quantitative weight method and evaluated by the EWRS scale. The parameters were the following: productivity (ha), weight of 1000 grains (g) and hectoliter (kg). Four-factor dispersion analysis was applied. The factors considered were year conditions, cultivar, herbicide and stage of treatment. The factors with the highest strength of effect were the year conditions (60%) and the used cultivar (31%). Significantly lower was the effect of the factors stage of treatment (5%) and applied herbicide (4%).

Bread making quality parameters of some Ukrainian and Polish triticale cultivars

Grain, flour and bread quality parameters were investigated in one Polish and three Ukrainian triticale cultivars, selected as the most suitable for production of bread. The studies revealed large differences in some bread-making parameters. The farinographic parameters of the Ukrainian triticale cultivars were not worse than those of wheat, but the bread loaf volume was lower. The best triticale bread was obtained from the Polish cultivar Panteon, loaf volume and crumb porosity were the highest, in spite of weak results of the farinographic test. Reliability of parameters used for prediction of wheat bread quality in application to triticale is discussed. The laboratory baking is recommended for bakers, breeders and for cultivar testing as the safest method of the evaluation.

Characteristics of spring triticale cultivars bred at the Yuriev Plant Production Institute of NAAS

Characteristics of spring triticale cultivars bred at the Yuriev Plant Production Institute of NAAS

KOMPONENTY PLONOWANIA PSZENŻYTA JAREGO W ZALEŻNOŚCI OD ODMIANY, RODZAJU I DAWKI NAWOZU WIELOSKŁADNIKOWEGO

A field experiment was conducted throughout the years 2017–2019 at Borki-Wyrki, Zbuczyn Gmina (commune). The study aimed at determining productive ear number, grain number per ear, grain weight per ear and 1000 grain weight of two spring triticale cultivars according to fertiliser type and rate, the fertiliser being either Polifoska 6 or Polifoska Krzem. The following three experimental factors were investigated in the experiment: the main factor – spring triticale cultivar (Milewo, Dublet), the sub-plot factor – mineral fertiliser type (Polifoska 6, Polifoska Krzem), the sub-sub-plot factor – mineral fertiliser rate (0 kg∙ha−1, 140 kg∙ha−1, 280 kg∙ha−1, 420 kg∙ha−1). Fertiliser rates increased pro- ductive ear number compared to unfertilised control. Fertiliser type significantly affected grain number per ear. An application of Polifoska Krzem was followed by increased grain number per ear in spring triticale. Grain weight per one ear was significantly affected cultivars. Cv. Milewo had a higher number of grains per ear compared with cv. Dublet. Spring triticale grain harvested from units fertilised with Polifoska 6 had a higher 1000 grain weight. Cv. Dublet developed more robust grain compared with cv. Milewo.

Evaluation of Wheat Cultivars and Germplasm Lines for Resistance to Pratylenchus neglectus Populations Collected in North Dakota.

Root-lesion nematode (RLN; Pratylenchus neglectus) is a migratory endoparasite and a major soilborne pathogen that affects wheat (Triticum spp.) production worldwide. Genetic resistance is one of the most economical and effective ways to manage P. neglectus in wheat. This study evaluated 37 local cultivars and germplasm lines in seven greenhouse experiments, including 26 hexaploid wheat, six durum wheat, two synthetic hexaploid wheat, one emmer wheat, and two triticale for P. neglectus resistance from 2016 to 2020. North Dakota field soils infested with two RLN populations (350 to 1,125 nematodes per kilogram of soil) were used for resistance screening under controlled greenhouse conditions. The final nematode population density for each cultivar and line was counted under the microscope to categorize the resistance ranking of these entries as resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible, and susceptible. Out of the 37 cultivars and lines, one was classified as resistant (Brennan); 18 were moderately resistant (Divide, Carpio, Prosper, Advance, Alkabo, SY Soren, Barlow, Bolles, Select, Faller, Briggs, WB Mayville, SY Ingmar, W7984, PI 626573, Ben, Grandin, and Villax St. Jose); 11 were moderately susceptible; and seven were susceptible to P. neglectus. The resistant to moderately resistant lines identified in this study could be used in breeding programs after the resistance genes or loci are further elucidated. This research provides valuable information about P. neglectus resistance among wheat and triticale cultivars used in the Upper Midwest region of the United States.

Influence of drought on the heading in Bulgarian triticale cultivars

In order to study how the heading changes in exposure under the influence of natural drought processes and whether such a change affects crop productivity, 17 cultivars of winter hexaploid triticale were studied during 7 contrast growing periods. The results show that the latest heading is observed in the 2016/2017 growing period, and the earliest in the 2015/2016. During the period with the most pronounced soil and atmospheric drought - 2019/2020, the heading was earlier than the other periods. There is a tendency for the varieties AD-7291 and Vihren the heading to be earlier than the others, regardless of the environmental conditions. A tendency to later heading than the other cultivars is observed in Respect. On the other hand, early-heading cultivars have a positive effect on productivity, especially in periods of severe drought. Despite the differences observed in the heading period under the influence of drought, productivity of the cultivar Bumerang remains high. This shows that the cultivar has a high tolerance to soil drought, which makes it extremely suitable for growing in various soil and climatic conditions of Bulgaria.

Screening For Salt Tolerance of 12 Turkish Triticale Cultivars during Germination and Early Seedling Stage

This investigation was carried out to determine the response of 12 Turkish cultivars to different salt stress levels during the germination and early seedling stages at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University in 2022. In present research, four different sodium chloride treatments (60, 120, 180 and 240 mM) and a control (0 mM) treatment were used. Germination ratio, germination index, mean germination time, root and shoot length, root and shoot fresh weight, root and shoot dry weight and biomass weight parameters were investigated to determine the salt tolerance of triticale cultivars. Cultivars, salt doses and their interactions had significant effects on all examined characteristics. In general, germination parameters and early seedling stage characteristics of the cultivars were adversely affected by increasing salt doses. Yet, it was determined that the responses to increasing salt doses were different among the cultivars. Although Mehmetbey cultivar was undesirably affected by increased salt doses, it was found to be more resistant than the other cultivars. On the other hand, Umranhanim was determined as the most sensitive cultivar to salt stress. After investigating the resistance of Mehmetbey cultivar to salt stress under field conditions, this cultivar can be included into breeding programs or cultivated in fields with salinity problems.

The Influence of Cropping Systems on Photosynthesis, Yield, and Grain Quality of Selected Winter Triticale Cultivars

Soil serves as the fundamental foundation for agricultural production; however, inappropriate utilization of soil in conventional cropping systems (CONV) coupled with agricultural practices focused on maximizing profit through the attainment of high-quality grain yield contributes to its degradation. An alternative to the CONV is the integrated cropping system (INTEG), which is based on sustainable plant cultivation by reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. An interesting two-factor field experiment with winter triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm.) was conducted in 2019–2022 in south-eastern Poland. The experimental factors in this study included three winter triticale cultivars, namely Avokado, Medalion, Rotondo, and SU Liborius, and two cropping systems, CONV and INTEG. It was found that the use of the CONV brought out higher grain yield with higher protein and lower fat content. The cultivation of triticale grain under the CONV resulted in a higher thousand-grain weight (TGW), improved grain uniformity, and higher test weight values compared to INTEG. Additionally, the use of the CONV system resulted in improved values of physiological parameters (chlorophyll content and fluorescence and gas exchange), and that was caused by improved photosynthetic efficiency of triticale plants as a result of increased doses of mineral fertilizers, despite being cultivated in the INTEG; cv. SU Liborius achieved better values of yield parameters among the tested triticale cultivars grown in the CONV. Therefore, the selection of a suitable, efficient cultivar allows its growth under lower fertilization conditions and produces high grain yields of good quality. This knowledge can be valuable to farmers, as it would facilitate the selection of a triticale cultivar with the appropriate genetic profile for cultivation under specific agronomic conditions. Eventually, it would allow for the propagation of sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to enhancing soil biodiversity while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of agricultural production.

PLON ZIARNA I CECHY MORFOLOGICZNE ROŚLIN PSZENŻYTA JAREGO W ZALEŻNOŚCI OD ODMIANY, RODZAJU I DAWKI NAWOZU WIELOSKŁADNIKOWEGO

A field experiment was conducted in Borki-Wyrki, Zbuczyn Gmina (commune), from 2017 to 2019. The objective was to assess yield performance and morphological characteristics of two spring triticale cultivars as affected by multi-nutrient fertiliser type and rate, the fertilisers being Polifoska 6 and Polifoska Krzem. Three experimental factors were tested: spring triticale cultivar – Milewo and Dublet, mineral fertiliser type – Polifoska 6 and Polifoska Krzem, and mineral fertiliser rate –0 kg∙ha−1, 140 kg∙ha−1, 280 kg∙ha−1, 420 kg∙ha−1. Spring triticale plant development and yield performance were significant affected by experimental factors, that is cultivar, fertiliser type and rate, were shown to influence these characteristics. Superior yields were produced by cv. Dublet compared with cv. Milewo. Cultivars fertilised with Polifoska Krzem produced higher grain yields than Polifoska 6. An increase in fertiliser rate was followed by higher grain yields. Spring triticale cultivar as well as multi-nutrient fertiliser type and rate significantly affected ear length. Significantly longer ears were developed by cv. Milewo. Longer ears were developed by cereal plants fertilised with Polifoska 6. Similarly, higher fertiliser rates had a beneficial effect on ear length. Fertiliser rate contributed to a significant increase in plant height compared with unamended control. Cv. Milewo plants were significantly higher than cv. Dublet plants.

Is Diversified Crop Rotation an Effective Non-Chemical Strategy for Protecting Triticale Yield and Weed Diversity?

Diversified crop rotation (DCR) has re-gained attention worldwide as a non-chemical practice for increasing the sustainability of cereal production systems. This study focused on comparing the effects of two weed management strategies, DCR (the six-field system: potato–oat–fiber flax–winter rye–faba bean–winter triticale) without the application of a herbicide (DCR strategy) and with the application of a herbicide (DCR + H strategy) on the yield of winter triticale and on the biomass and species, taxonomic, and functional diversities of weed communities. In addition, the responses of two triticale cultivars, Trapero and Borowik, to the weed management strategies were evaluated. Data from five growing seasons (2017–2021) of a long-term experiment (Bałcyny, northeastern Poland) are presented. The DCR strategy proved less effective in protecting the triticale yield than DCR + H but provided greater weed species, taxonomic and functional diversities. Borowik had a higher yield and responded to herbicide abandonment with a lower yield loss. When the DCR strategy was used, Borowik was more competitive against weeds than Trapero without reducing weed diversity. The triticale yield correlated negatively with weed biomass and diversity, and weed diversity and weed biomass were positively correlated. The findings show that winter triticale can be grown in DCR without the application of a herbicide if a high-yield, competitive cultivar such as Borowik is used. Growing such a cultivar under DCR conditions without the application of a herbicide promotes weed diversity; however, in years with less favorable weather conditions, it may be necessary to accept a moderately lower yield compared to the yield provided with herbicide protection. The relationship between weed diversity and weather conditions is a subject for further research.

Antioxidant Potential and Phenolic Acid Profiles in Triticale Grain under Integrated and Conventional Cropping Systems

Cereals are a valuable source of biologically active compounds. Phenolic compounds, of which the phenolic acids (PA) found in cereal grains constitute a significant proportion, are characterized by health-promoting properties largely due to their antioxidant capacity. PA, located mainly in the outer parts of the grain, play an important role in preventing environmental stresses. Triticale is a cereal species of increasing economic value, and also value for human consumption. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of conventional (CONV) and integrated (INTEG) cropping systems on antioxidant activity and content of selected PA in triticale cultivars (Meloman, Panteon, Belcanto) grain. The experiment was conducted in seasons from 2019/2020 to 2021/2022. Among the PA tested, ferulic acid (FER) had the highest contribution to total PA content (TPAs), with 519, 99, and 1115 μg g−1 in whole grain, flour, and bran, respectively. The unfavorable hydrothermal conditions occurring in the seasons (rainfall deficit) increased TPA, mainly in whole grain. Grain cv. Meloman had the highest PA content in whole grain, flour, and bran and cv. Belcanto had the lowest, with differences of 22.7, 18.2, and 15.7% respectively. Cultivation of triticale under the CONV vs. INTEG cropping system resulted in reduced amounts of TPAs in flour and bran and PA: p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HB) in flour, syringic acid (SYR) in whole grain and bran, and ferulic acid (FER) and sinapic acid (SIN) in bran. The CONV cropping system also caused a decrease in antioxidant activity (AOA) in flour and bran. In most of the cases analyzed, the highest antioxidant activity and content of PA were found in bran, and the lowest were found in flour. The high presence of PA in triticale grain indicates that this cereal, especially when grown under the INTEG cropping system, can be destined for consumption and provide a source of valuable antioxidants for various food and nutraceutical purposes.

Evaluation of some Triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) cultivars and lines under Duzce ecological conditions

This study was carried out with five triticale cultivars (Özer, Truva, Karma-2000, Alperbey and Tatlıcak-97) and 10 advanced triticale lines to determine the grain yield and yield components during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 growing seasons under Duzce ecological conditions. In this study, the parameters of the genotypes such as spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike, thousand kernel weight, and grain yield were investigated. According to the two year results, whereas spike length, number of spikelets per spike, and number of grains per spike of genotypes changed 10.6-15.3 cm, 24.5-39.7, and 48.8-87.8, respectively, the grain related parameters such as grain weight per spike, thousand kernel weight, and grain yield were 2.518-4.261 g, 34.3-46.8 g, 720.2-1093.4 kg da-1, respectively. The highest yielding genotypes were found to be T-5, T-8, T-9 and Özer.

Winter cereal species, cultivar, and harvest timing affect trade-offs between forage quality and yield

Volatile feed costs and extreme weather events are contributing to greater economic risk and precarity throughout much of the United States dairy industry. These challenges have prompted dairy farmers to seek ways to reduce feed imports without compromising milk production. For organic dairy farmers, the need to produce more homegrown forage is exacerbated by the high cost and limited supply of organic feed. Integrating winter cereals for forage as part of a double-cropping system is a potential solution, but increasing the amount of forage in dairy cow rations can reduce milk production if the forages are not managed for optimal quality. Organically managed field experiments in Maryland (MD) and New York (NY) were conducted to address two primary objectives: (1) determine the yield and quality of winter cereals—four cultivars each for barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), and triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus.)—grown as forage and harvested at different crop growth stages, and (2) evaluate the trade-offs between yield and quality in relation to winter cereal phenology and harvest date. Mean yield at a commonly harvested growth stage, swollen boot (Zadoks 45), was 1.3, 2.2, and 2.2 Mg ha−1 in MD and 1.8, 2.5, and 2.9 Mg ha−1 in NY for barley, cereal rye, and triticale, respectively. Mean relative forage quality (RFQ) at the same growth stage was 180, 158, and 163 in MD and 179, 156, and 157 in NY for the three species. Overall, cereal rye reached swollen boot stage the earliest, barley produced the highest RFQ and retained high quality the longest, and cereal rye and triticale produced the highest yields. Based on these results, farmers should consider barley cultivars if quality is the priority and winter-hardiness is not a concern; cereal rye cultivars if an early harvest is most important; and triticale cultivars if greater harvest schedule flexibility would be most valuable. These findings can be used to better meet the needs of dairy farmers, enhance double-cropping system performance, and improve the synchronization of harvest timing with the specific needs of lactating dairy cows, dry cows, heifers, and calves.