Factors Influencing Species and Cultivar Choice of Small Grains for Winter Forage

Abstract

Small‐grain species, wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.), oat ( Avena sativa L.), rye ( Secale cereale L.), and triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack), are used in the southeastern USA as winter forage crops. Forage yield data comparing species and cultivars are available, but additional information such as seasonal forage distribution, dependability of forage production, and pest and stress tolerance is necessary for producers to make informed choices among species and cultivars. Twelve small‐grain cultivars evaluated in clipping trials at four Georgia locations for 3 yr (1985–1987) were compared for forage yield, seasonal distribution, and forage yield stability. Species (mean of three cultivars) and cultivars within each species were compared, including responses in subsets of environments that varied in cold stress and Hessian fly ( Mayetiola destructor Say) infestation levels. Although mean forage yields did not vary among species, rye was the most well adapted species to high‐stress, low‐yield environments, and wheat was the most well adapted species to low‐stress, high‐yield environments. Forage distribution differences among species were greatest in the mid‐season (January–February) production period when rye produced 14, 48, and 2341/b greater forage yields than wheat, triticale, and oat, respectively. Rye forage yield was 27, 33, and 78% greater than forage yields of triticale, wheat, and oat, respectively, in cold‐stress environments. Forage yields of wheat and oat exceeded those of rye and triticale in noncold‐stress environments. Oat produced the highest forage yield in an environment having a heavy Hessian fly infestation. Cultivars that produced high mean forage yields and had good general adaptation were observed within all species. Characteristics necessary for high and stable winter forage production in this region include high genetic forage yield potential, good cold tolerance, Hessian fly resistance or immunity, and the capacity for rapid regrowth and recovery from stress conditions.