Triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) is a relatively new grain and forage crop, but no information is available on agronomic performance of this crop relative to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.) grown in the southeastern U. S. A field experiment was conducted during three growing seasons, 1973–1975, on a Decatur silty clay loam soil (Rhodic Paleudult) to provide comparative data on seven triticale cultivars and one recommended cultivar each of wheat and rye. Results indicated that forage yields of two winter-type triticales, ‘6TA 131’ and ‘6TA 385’, were equal to that of ‘Winter-grazer 70’ rye and significantly better than ‘Arthur’ wheat or rye for grain yield. Clipping for forage reduced grain yied 15 to 200/, in intermediate types, 9 to 12% in wheat and winter triticales, and less than 4% in rye. Winter triticales were taller or equal to rye in height and also showed relatively more lodging than wheat and intermediate types. Test weight of wheat was highest. The protein content in dry green forage ranged from 24 to 27% among all the entries. Triticale cultivars averaged 14.4% rotein in the whole grain while wheat and rye averaged 13.7 and 13.2%, respectively.

Winterkill of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) can be a serious problem in marginal winter wheat growing areas of the world. Plants that are well hardened or conditioned when entering the winter season may withstand crown-depth temperatures of about −20°C; less hardened cultivars, about −16°C. Experiments were initiated on a Williams loam (fine-loamy, mixed Typic Argiborolls) near Sidney, Montana, to establish snow depth and protection requirements, based on a −16°C limit criterion at crown depth (3 to 5 cm), for reasonable assurance of winter wheat survival. Soil temperatures were measured at 0-, 3-, 10-, and 50-cm depths on fallow soil under various snow depths. In addition, a deep furrow drill was used to seed winter wheat on summer fallow with soil temperatures measured at 0, 3, and 10 cm and in standing stubble with soil temperatures measured at 0-, 5-, 15-, 30-, 60-, and 90-cm depths. Providing no other confounding factors such as snowmelt and subsequent ice-crust formation are present, about 7 cm of snow is probably sufficient to prevent winterkill even when air temperatures occasionally approach −40°C. The deep furrow drill formed furrows deep enough to trap about 6 to 7 cm of snow. Standing stubble provided additional protection and caught and held snow.