The Influence of Agrotechnical Factors on the Yield and Quality Parameters of Winter Triticale Grain

Due to the high yield potential, suitable agrotechnical properties, and nutritional value of the grain, the interest in growing triticale is increasing due to the high yield potential, suitable agrotechnical properties, and nutritional value. This species is primarily grown for fodder purposes, but numerous studies suggest its potential for human consumption, including bread production. Additionally, triticale is known for its greater resistance to adverse environmental conditions compared to other crops, even under varying agronomic practices. A field experiment was conducted in southeastern Poland from 2019 to 2022. The study involved two cultivation systems (conventional and integrated) as one factor and three winter triticale cultivars (Belcanto, Meloman, and Panteon) as the other. The conventional system is based on the intensive cultivation of plants through the use of large amounts of fertilizers and crop protection products. The integrated system of cultivation is an alternative to the conventional system. This system aims to reduce the use of industrial inputs and, as a result, minimize the negative impact of agriculture on the natural environment. Cultivation under the conventional system resulted in higher grain yields and improved physiological parameter values. There was an increase in the leaf area index (LAI), relative chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and gas exchange parameters (photosynthetic rate (Pn) and transpiration rate (E)). The highest yields were achieved with the cv-Panteon and cv-Belcanto under the conventional system. The yields of these cultivars in the integrated system did not differ significantly from those of cv-Meloman under the conventional system. In the 2021/2022 season, the weather conditions were the most favorable during the triticale vegetation period, which resulted in the highest grain yield. The conventional system also resulted in higher thousand-grain weight (TGW), crude protein content, and grain test weight while lowering the falling number (FN) value. However, the cultivation systems did not significantly affect the grain uniformity, crude fat, fiber, or ash content, as well as wet gluten and gluten index (GI). The cv-Panteon exhibited the highest level of crude protein, crude fiber, and crude ash in its grain, suggesting its strong nutritional value and potential for use in human consumption. The cultivation of triticale in the integrated system, although associated with lower yields, causes less environmental pollution than cultivation in the conventional system. The appropriate selection of efficient cultivars grown in the integrated system allows for high grain yields with good quality parameters.