Optimum Stand Density of Spring Triticale for Grain Yield and Alfalfa Establishment

Triticale (×TriticosecaleWittmack) has potential as a feed crop in the north central United States and could also function as a companion crop for alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.) establishment. The objectives of this research were to assess the suitability of a short-statured spring triticale as a companion crop and determine optimum triticale seeding rates for grain yield and alfalfa establishment. Spring triticale ‘Trimark 37812’ and alfalfa were grown in companion at Ames and Sioux Center, IA during 2004 and 2005. Triticale was seeded at 198, 297, 396, 495, and 594 pure live seeds (PLS) m-2and alfalfa was seeded at 600 PLS m-2. The grain yield response to changes in stand density was quadratic with maximum yield occurring at 516 plants m-2. A plant density of 325 plants m-2and a seeding rate of 374 seeds m-2resulted in maximum profit. The grain yield at the stand density for maximum profit was 4.4 Mg ha-1. Increasing the triticale seeding rate had no effect on alfalfa stand density or dry matter yield. Alfalfa stand densities exceeded the 130 plants m-2threshold required for maximum long-term productivity suggesting the short-statured spring triticale cultivar used in this study was well suited for companion cropping with alfalfa.