| In every case crossings and backcrossings were also made in the reciprocal
direction. According to experiences if the octoploid Triticale (2n=8x=56)
is used as mother, seed set is more satisfactory (12-16%) when compared
to the reciprocal 0.6-1.8%. F1 hybrid grains from 56 x 42 chromosomes crossings have germinated in 62-80%; while those of 42 x 56 chromosomes crossings only in 30-63%. F1 grains with 56 x 42 chromosomes are fuller; heptaploids with 42 x 56 chromosomes have more shrunken and shrivelled grains. The 2n=7x=49 chromosome plants were very sterile, some 0-7 very shrunken, wrinkled grains were set per head. In the F2 generation some individuals are already fertile, these having always 42 chromosomes, or 40, 41, 43 chromosomes approaching euploids. These segregating hybrids have been named secondary hexaploids. It was mainly the fertility of these hexaploids segregating from crossings with differetrt polyploid levels that made us suppose that such Triticale forms would prove more valuable in general cultivation than octoploids. Triticales, Nos. 57 and 64 have proved more prolific in Hungarian state trials than any other rye variety. In wheat comparison trials their value was equal to that of the wheat variety Bezostaya 1. In 1968 and 1969 yield slightly decreased, but in several farms it remamed extraordinary high. That accounts for their explosion-like spread. According to national statistical data of 1969 the grain yield of Triticale was 15.30 q/ha on about 10,000 ha, and that of rye 12.8 q/ha. Experiences show that Triticale is more particular than rye; its winterhardiness is behind that of rye and its drought-re sistance is still to be improved. On good wheat soil, with adequate cultural methods it can have a maximum yield of 43-54 q/ha, while on very poor, barren sand it yields 5.2-6.9 q/ha Both Triticale varieties are cultrvated for fodder (seed or green). Both are prefered by animals to rye. The protein content is 3-6% higher than in rye (rye has 10-11%, Triticale 14-17%) and 1-2% higher than in wheat(13-16%). In feeding trials with mice, rats, poultry and pigs it competed well with other cereals; in several trials its feeding value was even higher. Feeding trials with cattle have no satisfactory results yet. Baking trials have showed that using technology for rye flour it can be well mixed with wheat flour in 50%. It gives excellent, tasteful, brown bread even when made of 100% Triticale flour. For trials we exported 13 q seed in 1967, 280 q in 1968 and 625 q in 1969. In Hungary we had about 16,000 ha under Triticale in autumn 1969. (Received March 16, 1970) |
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