The Effects of Sowing Date on the Growth and Yield of Dual-Purpose and Grazing Triticales under Cool Australian Conditions

Abstract

Two field experiments examined the phasic development, filleting, dry matter production and grain yield of a number of registered and unregistered forage triticales (Tritico secale) compared to oats (Avena sativa) The experiments were conducted in Armidale (elevation 1070m) on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia (30°S). The experiments were sown in either early or late autumn and included uncut, single and double cutting treatments to assess the forage and grain yields of each line. The oats remained vegetative longer and frequently produced more tillers than the triticales; the only exception was the triticale cv. Empat which, when sown in early autumn, produced increased tiller numbers. Dry matter production was highest with the triticales in both early and late sowings although increasing cutting frequency decreased total dry matter, particularly with the unnamed triticales. Oats showed less effect of cutting on grain recovery but the triticales in the uncut treatment always gave the highest grain yields. The results are discussed in relation to the future of grazing of dual-purpose triticales in the cooler areas of eastern Australia.