Seeding rate response of Wapiti triticale in short-season growing areas

Abstract

Little information is available on the response of high test-weight triticales to seeding rate in short-season growing areas. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of seeding rates of 212–307 seeds m−2 (95–138 kg ha−1) on me agronomic response of Wapiti, the first spring triticale (× Triticosecale Rimpani Wit.) registered in western Canada having a high test weight. Field tests were conducted from 1988 to 1990 at six sites in central Alberta (Botha, Drumheller, Lacombe, Olds, Provost and Trochu). Grain yield was positively related to seeding rate, with a 0.371 ha−1 increase between the lowest and highest rates tested. Test weights and protein content of the grain were affected by seeding fate but no consistent trends were established. Effects of seeding rate on days to anthesis were small (< 0.5 d) and would not be of great concern. Days to maturity responded with a significant quadratic effect, with lateness being associated With the lowest seeding rate. Seeding rate had a negative but linear association with spikelets spike−1, florets spike−1 and kernels spike−1. Only at Lacombe was a reduction in florets spikelet−1 detected with high seeding rates, while at Provost the opposite was found. Kernel weight, plant height, kernels spikelet−1 and floret fertility were not affected by seeding rate. Kernel quality was not negatively affected by the higher seeding rates. Therefore, the recommended seeding rates of Wapiti could be raised from 180–250 seeds m−2 (80–110 kg ha−1) to 270–300 seeds m−2 (120–140 kg ha−1). Key words: × Triticosecale, seeding rates, yield, test weight