Winter triticale grain yield response to preceding crop and genotype under contrasting growing seasons

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Abstract
In addition to generating rising temperatures and reduced rainfall, climate change has contributed to the increasing instability in agricultural yields. Under these conditions, farmers are compelled to adopt more resilient crop species, and due to the traits inherited from its two parent species, triticale represents a promising option. Research conducted at ARDS Secuieni aims to adapt cultivation technologies to emerging climatic challenges. To assess the effects of the preceding crop and genotype on winter triticale grain yield, a field experiment was established at ARDS Secuieni over two growing seasons (2022–2024). This study employed a randomised block design with three replications and included two Romanian winter triticale genotypes (‘Haiduc’ and ‘Utrifun’), grown after three preceding crops: soybean (Glycine max L.), maize (Zea mays L.), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Both genotype and preceding crop had significant effects on grain yield. The Utrifun genotype exhibited superior adaptability, achieving an average yield of 5941 kg/ha, compared to 5013 kg/ha for Haiduc. The highest yields were recorded following soybean (5929–6902 kg/ha), whereas sunflower as a preceding crop resulted in the lowest yields (4303–4554 kg/ha). These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate genotypes and preceding crops to optimise winter triticale productivity under the pedoclimatic conditions specific to the Secuieni region.

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