The dependence of spring triticale yield and its structure on harvesting time and methods

Abstract The yield level of the spring triticale and its structure is largely determined by the timing and methods of harvesting, especially in the region where this crop was not cultivated previously. This issue is important for Amur region because it is located in the zone of risky agriculture and harvesting of spring triticale here runs in difficult conditions. The research aims to establish optimal terms and methods of harvesting, which will accelerate the introduction of this new crop in the region. In 2014-2016 field studies were conducted with methods generally accepted for grain crops. It was established that the highest grain yield at optimal terms of sowing, was obtained during harvesting on August 25th (in the phase of grain’s full ripeness). Earlier harvesting resulted in an 11-29% reduction of yield. It was especially noticeable in Carmen variety. During harvesting on August 4th, this variety’s yield decreased by 0.69 tons per hector (metric, t/ha). Similarly, with a later harvest date (September 1st), all varieties showed lower yields. This was especially evident in Ukro variety with a 17% reduction. As for harvesting on August 4th and 11th, while grain moisture exceeded 20%, a separate method of cropping turned out to give the best results. Yields in these experiments amounted to 2.31 - 2.55 t/ha (Dill variety), 2.06 - 2.17 t/ha (Yarilo variety), and 1.81 - 2.26 t/ha (Carmen variety). August 18th is optimal for the two-phase method of harvesting when crops reach the spring triticale phase - the middle of grain wax ripeness. In this case, the yield amounted to 2.33 t/ha.