Triticale is an agricultural crop with a unique appearance. The name itself is a combination of the scientific names of its two parent plants, Triticum (wheat) and Secale (rye). It is a hybrid species, scientifically denoted as × Triticosecale, that visually expresses traits from both parents in its stalk, head, and kernel. To identify triticale, one must look for a distinct combination of features that blend the dense head of wheat with the robustness and stature of rye. This description focuses on the physical attributes that distinguish this cereal in the field and after harvest.
The Hybrid Nature of Triticale
The distinct look of triticale stems directly from its genetic makeup, which breeders engineered to combine desirable traits from wheat and rye. The goal was to create a plant that retained the high yield potential and grain quality often found in wheat varieties. This was then merged with the exceptional hardiness and disease resistance characteristic of rye. This intentional genetic crossing resulted in a plant that is generally more vigorous than wheat, particularly in challenging growing conditions. The hybrid’s morphology presents as an intermediate, showing a mix of characteristics from both parent species.
Identifying the Standing Crop
When triticale is growing in the field, it presents as a taller, more robust plant than many common wheat varieties. The plant height can range from 90 centimeters to over 1.5 meters, giving it a noticeable height advantage over shorter wheats. Its stem is cane-shaped and hollow, similar to other grasses, and possesses a strong structure that helps resist lodging.
The leaves frequently display a dark, bluish-green color, a hue inherited from its rye parentage. At the base of the leaf blade, where it clasps the stem, are the auricles—small, ear-like appendages—which are present and sometimes feature fine hairs.
The inflorescence, or seed head, of triticale is a densely packed spike that appears similar to a wheat head but can be longer. This head is squarish in cross-section and is characterized by prominent awns, which are the bristle-like fibers extending from the spikelet. These awns are a notable visual marker, giving the head a slightly rougher, more bristled appearance compared to many smooth-headed wheats.
Characteristics of the Harvested Grain
The appearance of the harvested triticale grain, or kernel, is a key visual identifier that distinguishes it from both wheat and rye. The kernels are elongated and oval-shaped, falling between 8 and 12 millimeters in length. This size is larger than a rye kernel but less plump than a well-filled wheat kernel.
A defining characteristic is the surface texture, which is shriveled or noticeably wrinkled, especially compared to the smooth, rounded surface of plump wheat. This wrinkled appearance is a result of shrinking of the outer covering during development. The color of the mature grain is a pale brown or amber-yellow hue. Like wheat, the kernel features a distinct furrow or crease running along its length. The combination of its elongated shape, slightly dull color, and characteristic wrinkled texture makes the threshed triticale seed visually unique.