Features of Growing Triticale in the EU

Despite the fact that triticale is considered somewhat inferior to grain in its characteristics, it is still actively grown by farmers around the world.

The fact is that this crop is an excellent option for use in the field of animal husbandry, and farmers especially love it for its resistance to unfavorable climates, diseases and good forage characteristics. This grain is a hybrid of wheat and rye, and at the same time combines the advantages of both crops. In addition, this culture, despite its lower bakery advantages, can also be used in the confectionery industry. Also, this culture is the basis for the production of bioethanol.

Europe’s place in the world market for triticale cultivation

If the cultivation of other grain crops is practiced only in certain European countries (the lack of cultivated areas, bad climate or internal requirements for the production of certain crops) are to blame, then triticale rightfully occupies one of the leading places in the EU countries. The leaders in the production of this crop are Poland and Germany. It is these countries that have developed varieties that have occupied the main niche in the feed industry, and it can be difficult for other countries to compete in this area. The EU countries appreciated the advantages of this crop – its cultivation is less costly, the crop can withstand extreme temperatures more easily and almost does not need to use plant protection products. At the same time, there are some peculiarities – in particular, despite good immunity, triticale often picks up a disease such as snow mold, sometimes it is affected by septoria. Because of this, breeders are constantly working on obtaining new, more resistant varieties of the plant.

Growing features

Due to the active development of animal husbandry, farmers began to grow triticale more often. The fact is that this grain is considered one of the best feed, and it can also be used as bedding. The deliveries of this grain to Europe are carried out mainly from the territory of Ukraine and Russia, since in these countries the climate for growing triticale is more suitable. In particular, this culture requires at least +5 degrees for seed germination, and seedlings appear already 5-7 days after sowing. Triticale consumes up to 60% of the moisture content of the dry seeds mass, and the soil moisture should be up to 75%. The soil itself should be sod-podzolic, gray forest, light loamy or sandy loam with neutral acid. In the spring, the crop should be fed twice as early as winter wheat, using the same fertilizer. Triticale is removed in the earing phase.

By the way, it is for Ukrainian grain that the EU has simplified the process of obtaining documents for export – now local farmers do not need to obtain European certificates of conformity, since Ukrainian-style documents are valid in the EU. These features will allow products from Ukraine to quickly enter the European markets.