Yield and grain quality of plump-kernelled spring triticale windrowed at different kernel water concentrations

Abstract

Little information is available on the response of plump-kernelled spring triticales (X Triticosecale Wittmack) to windrowing at different kernel water concentrations (KWC). The objective of this research was to determine the effects of windrowing at KWCs of 1600 g kg−1 or less on the yield and grain quality of spring triticales compared with a Canadian prairie spring (CPS) wheat (Triticum aestivum L. 'Oslo'). Field experiments were conducted from 1989 to 1993 at Lacombe, AB, using the spring triticale cv. Wapiti in all years, and the cvs. Banjo and Frank in 1992 and 1993. Rate of dry-down varied between the cultivars and years. Oslo dried at a rate of 1.67 to 3.23 g kg−1 per growing degree day (GDD 0 °C basis). The rate of dry-down for the triticales ranged from 2.80 to 10.80 g kg−1 per GDD. Although the triticales reached physiological maturity much later than Oslo in any given year, they dried at a faster rate (with fewer GDDs) than Oslo. Windrowing at KWC of up to 1600 g kg−1 (62% moisture) had no effect on test weight, grain protein or germination of harvested grain. Effects of windrowing on grain yield varied but, when yield differences were significant, windrowing at 430 to 530 g kg−1 (30 to 35% moisture) optimized grain yield. When effects of windrowing on kernel weight were significant, kernel weight increased as KWC at windrowing decreased. When windrowing to curtail secondary growth of spring triticale is necessary in central Alberta, windrowing at 430 to 530 g kg−1 (30 to 35% moisture) is recommended to optimize yield without loss of test weight, protein content or germination. Key words: Spring triticale, Canadian prairie spring wheat, windrowing, kernel water concentration