Triticosecale Wittm Research Articles

Influence of subterraneous plant organs on yields and winter hardness of winter triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.)

Purpose of this work was to identify the influence of the underground part of the plant on winter hardness and crop yields of collection of winter hexaploid triticale with different eco-geographical origin in the terms of Nonchernozem zone in Russia. The set of 43 hybrids of triticale with different eco-geographical origin was divided into 5 groups according to its origin: Dagestan, North Caucasus, Central Black Earth zone and Ukraine, Nonchernozem zone of Russia, Belarus and Eastern Europe. For every hybrid in a group, the number of plants with lower tillering node, availability and degree of epicotyl development and secondary root system calculated and the correlation analysis of these traits with grain yields performed. The grain yields considered as an integral indicator of the genotype adaptability for specific environment conditions. As a result, the triticale genotypes with stable development of a large number of plants with lower tillering node selected Mikola, Antey, Valentin, AD4, Timbo, AD 44 and Flamingo. The influence of environment conditions where the triticale hybrid created on selection of high yields genotype and increased number of plants with lower tillering node revealed. Greatest conjugacy between crop yields and availability of double tillering nodes is typical for hybrids from Central part of country and Belarus. It turned out that hybrids from southern regions have a positive relation of crop yields and the length of epicotyl. The hybrids from Central part of Russia, Belarus and Europe do not have this correlation. A weak positive relation in triticale hybrids found between development of secondary root system and grain yield.

Efecto y evaluación agrícola de digestato anaeróbico de la FORSU como fertilizante en tritical invernal

Anaerobic Digestion (AD) has proven to be an economically viable technology to treat the organic fraction of the municipal solid wastes (OFMSW). Research regarding the management and application of AD byproducts in Mexico, is required to encourage the private sector and local administrations to invest in this technology. In this study, fodder winter triticale (x triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus var. Rio Nazas) was grown to demonstrate the fertilizer effect and to evaluate the raw digestate generated from the AD under thermophilic conditions of locally sampled OFMSW, using a batch scale digester. The digestate produced was incorporated into a 6 m2 plot according to the recommender fertilization for this crop. At the same time, a crop treated with inorganic fertilizer (IF) and a control were grown, each on a plot of same dimensions, for comparison purposes. The fertilizer effect was measured in crop yield (Mg ha−1), seed efficiency (kgTriticale kgSeed−1) and bromatological value. Overall, the digestate treatment had better results in crop yield (12.54 Mg ha−1) and seed efficiency (83.61 kgTriticale kgSeed−1) than those achieved with the IF (11.16 Mg ha−1 and 74.43 kgTriticale kgSeed−1 , respectively) and the control. Whereas the bromatological value, a statistical analysis revealed that, regardless of the treatment, the mineral uptake, protein, sugar and fiber content were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Raw digestate generated from AD of the OFMSW under thermophilic conditions, is a valuable by product, rich enough to fully substitute IF for growing triticale Río Nazas.

Mapping of QTL and candidate genes associated with powdery mildew resistance in triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.)

Mapping of QTL and candidate genes associated with powdery mildew resistance in triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.)

The effect of timing and intensity of weed harrowing in triticale-lupin mixture on weeds and crops

The aim of the study was to find the most beneficial time of weed harrowing with its intensity represented by the number of passes with spring-tine harrow executed on one day in a mixture of triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm.) and narrow-leaved lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.). The randomized complete block design was applied in field conditions in 2015–2017. It comprised one factor, the timing and the intensity of post-emergence weed harrowing with the spring-tine harrow. The plots were harrowed once, twice, or three times on one day at six consecutive growth stages of triticale: BBCH 10, 11, 12, 13, 21, 22. Harrowing did not increase the grain yield of the triticale-lupin mixture, and when repeated three times at BBCH 21, it decreased the grain yield. The cereal was more resistant than lupin to timing and intensity of harrowing. The weeds were best controlled by a single cultivation conducted at the first leaf of triticale. This method caused a significant reduction in the density and the biomass of weeds at the anthesis of triticale and a reduction in the weed biomass at the full maturity of the mixture. Increasing intensity of harrowing by repeating cultivations had relatively weak influence on the weeds.

Morphophysiological features of the reaction of the cv. ×Triticosecale Wittm. ex. Camus on nitrogen fertilizers in contrasting agrometeorological conditions

Varietal agricultural technology developed for new varieties is a must for successful promotion of the variety on the market. It should be implemented after successful tests in various soil and climatic conditions. Studies on the study of morphophysiological features of the response of a new variety of spring triticale Timiryazevskaya 42 to nitrogen fertilizers were carried out in two contrasting meteorological conditions of the year. In a dry year, in which the HTC for the growing season was 0.9, it was obtained from 3.17 t/ha of grain in the variant without fertilizers to 3.93 t/ha in the variant with the application of 150 kg/ha of a.i. nitrogen. In a more favorable year, in which the HTC was 2.0, from 30 to 50% more grain was obtained in different variants of the experiment than in the dry one. The yield ranged from 5.49 t/ha (control) to 8.05 t/ha in the variant with the application of 150 kg/ha of a.i. nitrogen. Productivity is made up of productivity elements that, under favorable conditions and good agricultural technology, develop better. In this case, the economic yield tends to the potential value. For spring cereals, the structure that ensures productivity consists of high productive bushiness - 2.0-2.5 pcs/plant, a large number of spikelets per spike and full-fledged grains per spike (3-5 grains), grain weight per ear exceeding 1.8-2 g.

Genetic control of compatibility in crosses between wheat and its wild or cultivated relatives.

SummaryIn the recent years, the agricultural world has been progressing towards integrated crop protection, in the context of sustainable and reasoned agriculture to improve food security and quality, and to preserve the environment through reduced uses of water, pesticides, fungicides or fertilisers. For this purpose, one possible issue is to cross‐elite varieties widely used in fields for crop productions with exotic or wild genetic resources in order to introduce new diversity for genes or alleles of agronomical interest to accelerate the development of new improved cultivars. However, crossing ability (or crossability) often depends on genetic background of the recipient varieties or of the donor, which hampers a larger use of wild resources in breeding programmes of many crops. In this review, we tried to provide a comprehensive summary of genetic factors controlling crossing ability between Triticeae species with a special focus on the crossability between wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rye (Secale cereale), which lead to the creation of Triticale (x Triticosecale Wittm.). We also discussed potential applications of newly identified genes or markers associated with crossability for accelerating wheat and Triticale improvement by application of modern genomics technologies in breeding programmes.

A Comparison of Native Grass and Triticale Pastures during Late Winter for Growing Cattle in Semiarid, Subtropical Regions

Forage-based beef production is one of the most productive agricultural systems, especially in semiarid, subtropical environments, yet it is temporally variable due to climatic factors. Dormant native perennial warm-season grasses are available for grazing from autumn through spring; however, their protein concentration is inadequate to support growing cattle. Winter cereal forages, such as triticale [×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus (Secale × Triticum)], can fill fall through spring forage gaps with sufficient protein concentration. Triticale productivity was evaluated, and beef stocker performance on triticale was compared with supplemented native grassland for late winter pasture in each of three years at New Mexico State University’s Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center in Tucumcari, NM USA. Study results indicated that triticale pasture forage mass varied over the three years due to precipitation and different triticale planting dates each year, influencing the length of grazing period. Triticale provided late winter average daily gain approximately twice that of cattle grazing dormant native grass with protein supplementation (0.70 vs. 0.36 kg hd−1 d−1, p < 0.0001). Therefore, triticale can be utilized to provide adequate growth of young calves without the added costs of supplementation.

Functionally diverse flax-based rotations improve wild oat (Avena fatua) and cleavers (Galium spurium) management

AbstractWild oat (Avena fatua L.) and false cleavers (Galium spurium L.) are currently a challenge to manage in less competitive crops such as flax (Linum usitatissimum L.). Increasing the functional diversity in crop rotations can be an option to improve weed management. Nonetheless, this strategy had not been tested in flax in western Canada. A 5-yr (2015 to 2019) crop rotation study was carried at three locations in western Canada to determine the effect of diverse flax-based crop rotations with differences in crop species, crop life cycles, harvesting time, and reduced herbicides on managing A. fatua and G. spurium. The perennial rotation (flax–alfalfa [Medicago sativa L.]–alfalfa–alfalfa–flax) under reduced herbicide use was found to be the most consistent cropping system, providing A. fatua and G. spurium control similar to the conventional annual flax crop rotation (flax–barley [Hordeum vulgare L.]–flax–oat [Avena sativa L.]–flax) with standard herbicides. At Carman, this alfalfa rotation provided even better weed control (80% A. fatua, 75% G. spurium) than the conventional rotation. Furthermore, greater A. fatua control was identified compared with a conventional rotation in which two consecutive winter cereal crops were grown successfully in rotation (flax–barley–winter triticale [×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus (Secale × Triticum)]–winter wheat [Triticum aestivum L.]–flax). Incorporation of silage oat crops did not show consistent management benefits compared with the perennial alfalfa rotation but was generally similar to the conventional rotation with standard herbicides. The results showed that perennial alfalfa in the rotation minimized G. spurium and A. fatua in flax-cropping systems, followed by rotations with two consecutive winter cereal crops.

Single and multispecies dual‐purpose cover crop productivity, nutritive value, and profitability

AbstractReplacing long fallow periods with dual‐purpose forage cover crops increases productivity and profitability of dryland crop rotations. However, little information is available on specific forage cover crops mixtures that optimizes productivity, nutritive value, and profitability. The objective of this research was to quantify forage productivity, nutritive value, and profitability of spring‐planted single or mixed species cover crops in a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]–fallow (WSF) crop rotation. This study was conducted from 2015 to 2017 at the Kansas State University Hearting Beason Ranch near Brownell, KS. The experimental design was a split‐plot randomized complete block with four replications. The main plots were three crop phases of the WSF rotation (wheat–sorghum–fallow, sorghum–fallow–wheat, and fallow–wheat–sorghum), and subplots were five spring‐planted cover crop treatments: (a) spring oat (Avena sativa L.), (b) spring triticale [×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus (Secale × Triticum)], (c) oat and triticale mixture (OT, two‐species mixture), (d) oat, triticale, and pea (Pisum sativum L.) (OTP, three‐species mixture), and (e) oat, triticale, pea, radish (Raphanus sativus L.), turnips (Brassica campestris L.), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) (six‐species mixture). Results showed that cover crop forage accumulation was 33–35% greater in sole triticale and OT mixture compared with sole spring oat or cocktail treatments. Multispecies mixtures, cocktail and OTP cover crops, had significantly greater available energy, digestibility, and dry matter intake based on measured crude protein, acid and netural detergent fiber, and in vitro dry matter digestibility compared with single species (oat or triticale). Net return was US$100 ha–1 greater for the OT treatment compared with the multispecies mixtures. We concluded that greater productivity and net return, along with adequate nutritive value, from sole triticale and OT mixture made them better dual‐purpose forage cover crop alternatives.

Identifying optimal early‐season harvest timing in annual fall forages

AbstractFall forage production in the northeastern United States is complicated by early onset of cool temperatures, limiting forage availability in cool‐season perennials. Annual forages planted in late summer as cover crops or supplemental forage crops may fill this niche; however, data on their nutritive value over the short fall harvest window is lacking. This study compared six annual forage crops for their forage mass and nutritive value and identified optimal harvest times based on changes between forage mass and digestibility. Monocultures of canola (Brassica napus L.), forage radish (Raphanus sativus L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), spring triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus [Secale × Triticum]), spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), sunn hemp (Crotolaria juncea L.), and a mixture of all six species were sown in August of 2015 and 2016 then harvested at three time points (6, 8, and 10 weeks after planting [WAP]) over the fall (September–November). Canola, oat, and spring wheat had the greatest forage mass, while sunn hemp had the least across all harvests. Canola and forage radish had the lowest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and greatest in vitro true dry matter digestibilities (IVTDMd) across all harvests, while sunn hemp and the grasses declined in IVTDMd after first and second harvest. Forage mass of the fall mix was comparable to the highest yielding monoculture at third harvest only. Results suggest that forage brassicas can be harvested without compromising mass or nutritive value, while cereal grasses gained forage mass at the expense of nutritive value.

Forage productivity and soil properties in dual‐purpose cover crop systems

AbstractIntensification of dryland cropping systems with cover crops (CCs) in the semi‐arid central Great Plains could enhance soil health and diversify production when used for forage. This study was conducted from 2015 to 2020 to determine forage mass, nutritive value of CCs, and effects of dual‐purpose CCs on soil properties in a no‐till winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]–fallow cropping system. Treatments were oat (Avena sativa L.)/triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.) CCs grown in place of fallow, which were hayed, grazed by yearling heifers, or left standing. Forage mass varied across years and averaged 3,546 kg ha−1 for standing CCs. Hayed and grazed CCs removed 73 and 26% of available forage. Soil bulk density was unaffected by haying or grazing compared to standing CCs. Soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in the 0‐to‐15‐cm depth in 2019 were similar among CC treatments (27.31 Mg ha−1). Stocks with standing and hayed CCs were greater than fallow (24.79 Mg ha−1) which was similar to grazed CCs. However, in 2020, stocks were less with hayed CCs (21.80 Mg ha−1) compared to grazed or standing CCs (24.27 Mg ha−1) and all were similar to fallow. Mean weight diameter of water stable aggregates increased with standing and grazed CCs (2.89 mm) compared to fallow (1.67 mm) in both years but hayed CCs were greater than fallow in 1 yr. Findings suggest CCs can replace fallow to produce high‐quality forage while improving soil health but residue management is critical when CC productivity is low.

Grain yield performance and stability of winter wheat and triticale cultivars in a temperate climate

AbstractThe productivity of modern triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) cultivars makes them more viable as an alternative to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains in many environments. We tested 51 winter wheat and 18 winter triticale cultivars in 52 locations nested in six regions in Poland. The aim of the study was to check whether the yield of triticale is comparable with the yield of wheat, especially under unfavorable soil and climatic conditions. The grain yield of winter wheat ranged from 9.22 to 15.72 t ha–1 depending on the region, and the yield of triticale ranged from 9.24 to 14.82 t ha–1. The analysis showed that triticale is well adapted to the temperate environment, and its yield is more stable and less dependent on the weather conditions of the year than that of winter wheat. The results indicated that triticale and wheat grown in lower quality soils will obtain a very similar yield. We also recommend that triticale cultivar selection should be based on specific end use requirements. So far, a similar comparison has been made for Mediterranean and temperate climates, but this is the first work for a transitional temperate climate.

Effect of winter cover crops on water soil storage, total forage production, and quality of silage corn

Cover crops provide a wide range of benefits to farms and the environment, but this is not reflected in current adoption rates of cover cropping. If cover crops are grown for forage they may raise more interest among farmers whether as feed or as income. The objective of this study was to evaluate if introducing annual winter cover crops will contribute to the yield and quality of annual forage production and will affect soil water content. The experiment included common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), triticale (x Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) and their mixture as winter forage cover crops, fallow with nitrogen fertilization, and control plot (fallow without fertilization). The main crop was silage corn. A 2-year study was performed at three locations in northern Serbia. The following indices were calculated: forage productivity index (FP) as a ratio between cover crop and silage corn dry matter yield, forage cover crop yield advantage index (FCCYa) as a ratio between total forage yield on cover crop or fertilization treatment and control plot, and forage cover crop protein advantage index (FCCPa) as a ratio between total protein yield on cover crop or fertilization treatment and control plot. The total forage yield in 2012/2013 was higher due to more favorable weather conditions. FP was the highest on treatment with triticale in the first year and on the mixture in the second year. FCCYa was above 1, and higher on cover crop treatments in two locations. Introducing forage cover crops in crop rotation with silage corn showed an advantage in protein yield with all cover crop species, resulting in FCCPa above 1. Forage production at a location with lower FCCYa should be more focused on yield-quality balance. In contrast, in a temperate region in some years annual winter cover crops have a potential negative impact on available soil water storage for cash crop production compared to fallow-corn systems. Results indicate that cover crops impact the annual total forage yield and soil water content, but this alternation is not a species-specific effect. In the region with recurrent drought, forage yield uncertainty may be lessened by winter cover crops which enable reduced dependence on the main forage crop production.

Impact of Ascorbate-Glutathione Cycle Components on the Effectiveness of Embryogenesis Induction in Isolated Microspore Cultures of Barley and Triticale.

Enhanced antioxidant defence plays an essential role in plant survival under stress conditions. However, excessive antioxidant activity sometimes suppresses the signal necessary for the initiation of the desired biological reactions. One such example is microspore embryogenesis (ME)—a process of embryo-like structure formation triggered by stress in immature male gametophytes. The study focused on the role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defence in triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) microspore reprogramming. ME was induced through various stress treatments of tillers and its effectiveness was analysed in terms of ascorbate and glutathione contents, total activity of low molecular weight antioxidants and activities of glutathione–ascorbate cycle enzymes. The most effective treatment for both species was a combination of low temperature and exogenous application of 0.3 M mannitol, with or without 0.3 mM reduced glutathione. The applied treatments induced genotype-specific defence responses. In triticale, both ascorbate and glutathione were associated with ME induction, though the role of glutathione did not seem to be related to its function as a reducing agent. In barley, effective ME was accompanied by an accumulation of ascorbate and high activity of enzymes regulating its redox status, without direct relation to glutathione content.

Response of Cover Crops to Phytopythium vexans, Phytophthora nicotianae, and Rhizoctonia solani, Major Soilborne Pathogens of Woody Ornamentals

Management of plant diseases is a subject of concern for researchers as well as growers. Different management practices are being developed and used to combat the rising number of plant pathogens, which threaten nursery crop production. Use of cover crops for sustainable management of soilborne diseases is being explored as an alternative strategy to the chemicals. However, the potential threat of these cover crops acting as a secondary host of these devastating soilborne pathogens has not been described. We studied the response of the major cover crops being used by woody ornamental growers in the Southeastern United States to Phytopythium vexans, Phytophthora nicotianae, and Rhizoctonia solani in greenhouse conditions to identify the effective cover crops that can be used in a nursery field production system. Data related to post-emergence damping-off and plant growth parameters (plant height increase and fresh weight) were recorded. Similarly, cover crop roots were assessed for root rot disease severity using a scale of 0–100% roots affected. Among the tested cover crops, the grass cover crops triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus.), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.), Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta (A. Braun) H. Scholz), and the legumes Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense (L.) Poir) and cowpea ‘Iron and Clay’ (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), showed lower root rot disease severity and post-emergence damping-off in the soil inoculated with P. nicotianae, R. solani, or P. vexans compared to the other crops. Since these cover crops can act as non-host crops and benefit the main crop in one way or another, they can be used in the production system. Further research is recommended to evaluate their performance in a natural field setting.

Rotation and tillage effects on forage cropping systems productivity and resource use

AbstractLimited information is available on what forage rotations and tillage practices increase forage productivity in the U.S. Great Plains region. The objectives of this study were to evaluate crop rotation and tillage effects on individual crop and overall system productivity. The study was conducted from 2012–2020 near Garden City, KS. The experiment was an incomplete factorial combination of four rotations and two tillage practices including sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]–sorghum (S–S) no‐till (NT), triticale [×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus (Secale ×Triticum)]/sorghum–sorghum–oat (Avena sativa L.; T/S–S–O) reduced till (RT), triticale/sorghum–sorghum–sorghum‐oat (T/S–S–S–O) NT, T/S–S–S–O RT, and triticale–sorghum–oat (T–S–O) NT. Results showed annualized forage accumulation with S–S and T/S–S–S–O (NT and RT) rotations were 31–58% greater than T/S–S–O (NT) and T–S–O (NT). Annualized water use from each rotation was in the order T/S–S–S–O (RT) = T/S–S–S–O (NT) > T/S–S–O (RT) = T/S–S–O (NT) > T–S–O (NT) = S–S (NT). Sorghum forage accumulation was 43% greater and water use was 23% greater in a nondouble crop sequence than sorghum double crop after triticale. We concluded that T/S–S–S–O (NT and RT) rotations have better crop diversity than continuous S–S (NT) and greater annualized forage productivity than T/S–S–O (NT and RT) and T–S–O (NT) rotations.

Fallow replacement cover crops in a semi‐arid High Plains cropping system

AbstractReplacing portions of fallow between sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] harvest and wheat (Triticum aestivum) planting with cover crops provides opportunity to increase productivity and profitability in dryland winter wheat–sorghum–fallow (WSF) cropping systems. The objective of this study was to identify potential spring fallow replacement cover crops and management to optimize productivity and resource use efficiency of a WSF system. The study was conducted 2013–2018 at Garden City, KS. Three crop rotation phases (WSF, SFW, and FWS) were the main plot, and fallow replacement cover crops were the sub plot. Cover crop treatments were further split into hayed and cover crop left standing groups to estimate forage potential. Results showed precipitation utilization and storage efficiency (PUtSE) increased by 146% for grain cover crop, 50% for cover crop hayed, and 38% for cover crop left standing compared with fallow. Available soil water at wheat planting (ASWPww) was not different between cover crop left standing and fallow. Spring triticale [×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus (Secale × Triticum)] had up to 182% more forage accumulation over other forage cover crops and a 108% grain yield advantage over other grain cover crops. Our findings showed fallow replacement, forage‐hayed, and grain cover crops have a greater PUtSE than fallow which may increase economic returns if subsequent crop yields are not reduced. Cover crops left standing had a moderate PUtSE advantage and similar ASWPww compared to fallow, and cover crop left standing, or fallow would be the best choice if the production goal is to maximize ASWPww and subsequent crop yields.

The Effects of Nitrogen and Vermicomposts Applied in Different Dosages and Combinations on the Triticale Silage (X Triticosecale Wittm.) Quality

This research was conducted in 2019 and 2020 to determine the effects of different doses of nitrogenous and vermicompost on the quality of triticale in Erzurum arid conditions. In the experimental area, 5 doses of vermicompost (0, 2500, 5000, 7500 and 10000 kg ha -1) and 4 doses of nitrogen (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha -1) were applied in combination in each block. The research was created with 3 replications according to the factorial arrangement in the Experimental Design of Randomized Complete Blocks. Dry matter ratio 38,30% -42,94%, crude protein rate 9.50%-12,28% by applying different amounts of nitrogen and vermicompost in silage triticale according to the findings obtained. ADF, NDF and RFV ratios varied between 22,44%-39,04%, 41,77-58,23%, 93,42-156,49%, respectively. While the pH of the triticale silage varied between 4,18-5,17, the physical evaluation quality class varied from low value to very good. When the results are evaluated as a whole, it comes to the forefront that vericompost applications alone do not have a significant effect, especially in terms of the quality of silage, using 80 kg N ha -1 of nitrogen together with different doses of worm fertilizers of 2500, 5000, 7500 and 10000 kg ha -1.

Cover Crop Soil Legacies Alter Phytochemistry and Resistance to Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Maize.

Plant-soil feedbacks can mediate aboveground plant-herbivore interactions by impacting plant chemistry. Given that soil legacies and agricultural practices are closely tied, a better understanding of soil legacy cascades and their application in pest management are needed. We tested how cover crop legacies alter resistance to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith, Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize (Zea mays L., Poales: Poaceae). We compared herbivore performance and behavior of fall armyworm larvae on maize grown after four cover crop treatments: a leguminous mycorrhizal cover crop (pea: Pisum sativum L., Fabales: Fabaceae), a nonleguminous mycorrhizal cover crop (triticale: x Triticosecale Wittm. Ex A. Camus, Poales: Poaceae), a nonleguminous nonmycorrhizal cover crop (radish: Raphanus sativus L., Brassicales: Brassicaceae), and no cover crops (fallow). Soil inorganic N was highest in pea treatments and lowest in triticale treatments, while maize AMF colonization was greatest when grown after mycorrhizal cover crops compared to nonmycorrhizal or no cover crops. Cover crop legacies altered the emission of maize volatiles and fall armyworm larvae oriented toward odors emitted by maize grown after radish more frequently than triticale in olfactometer assays. Additionally, larvae performed better and consumed more leaf tissue when feeding on maize grown after radish and poorest on plants grown after triticale. When damaged by fall armyworm, maize grown after triticale expressed higher levels of lipoxygenase-3 (lox3), while plants grown after radish upregulated maize proteinase inhibitor (mpi) gene expression. Our results highlight the importance of appropriate cover crop selection and suggest that triticale could strengthen maize resistance to fall armyworm.

Coleoptile length comparison of three winter small grain cereals adapted to the Great Plains

Successful crop stand establishment is critical to realize high yield potential, which is dependent on depth of seed placement to access soil moisture. The coleoptile determines sowing depth by its length and ability to emerge from depth. This study was conducted to assess coleoptile length among three sets of three Great Plains winter small grain cereals—wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and triticale (X triticosecale Wittm.)—and to evaluate the effect of the Rht-B1b dwarfing allele on coleoptile length in wheat and triticale. Fifty seeds of each genotype were sown in wet germination paper in two replications utilizing a randomized complete block design, which were placed in dark growth chambers at 25°C. Measurements were conducted after 7 d, and analysis of variance and comparison of least square means for coleoptile length among and within each set of genotypes were performed in Statistix 8.1 software using Fisher’s protected least significance difference at the α = 0.05 significance level. Results revealed that triticale had the longest coleoptiles, which were significantly longer (P < 0.05) than those measured in both barley and wheat. Additionally, significant variation in coleoptile length (P < 0.05) was also found within each set of wheat (3.52–6.41 cm), barley (4.32–6.63 cm) and triticale (4.05–6.92 cm) genotypes, respectively. These findings confirm other reports that the presence of the Rht-B1b allele was pleiotropic for coleoptile length, but development of semi-dwarf wheats with longer coleoptiles is possible if breeders deploy concurrent selection strategies.