The suitable sowing date for 20 new triticale lines in Dingxi region of Gansu Province

In this study, 20 triticale lines were chosen as the experimental materials to study the development characteristics and forage quality sown in the spring and autumn. The grey correlation analysis was used to evaluate the responses of the hay yield, fresh dry ratio and forage quality to different sowing dates and determine the suitable sowing date for these lines. Results indicated that the other triticale lines, expect for J1, J3 and J20, could overwinter normally; lines J18, J19, J11, J2, J14 and J15 obtained high hay yield when they were sown in autumn and lines J3, J17, J8 ,J14, J13, J2 and J16 obtained high hay yield when they were sown in spring. Comprehensive analysis showed that lines J10 and J18 were suitable to be planted in autumn, lines J4, J5, J6, J8, J12, J13, J14, J15, J17 and J20 sown in spring had better performance, and five lines sown in spring and autumn: J2, J7, J9, J11 and J19 had similar performance, so they could be sown in these two seasons. The suitable sowing date for the lines J1, J3 and J16 needs to be studied further. This study will provide good basis for determining the wintering rate and suitable sowing date of these lines and lay foundation for increasing the hay yield and quality of triticale.