In a pioneering move, Yeongam County, Jeollanam-do, has harvested 700 kg of organic triticale seeds—a high-yield hybrid of wheat (Triticum) and rye (Secale). This marks South Korea’s first successful organic cultivation of the crop, signaling new opportunities for drought-resistant and sustainable cereal farming.
Why Triticale?
Triticale combines the best traits of wheat (high yield) and rye (hardiness), making it ideal for:
- Marginal soils where traditional wheat struggles
- Climate resilience due to drought and cold tolerance
- Livestock feed & biofuel, offering farmers diversified income
Globally, triticale production has grown by 12% since 2020, with Poland, Germany, and Australia leading adoption.
From Research to Farms
The harvested seeds will serve dual purposes:
- Research: Sent to the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences to optimize cultivation techniques.
- Farm Distribution: Sold to local growers, helping expand South Korea’s organic and climate-smart crop options.
Field trials in similar climates (e.g., northern China) show triticale yields up to 15% higher than rye under low-fertility conditions.
Yeongam’s triticale breakthrough highlights the potential of hybrid crops in sustainable agriculture. By investing in resilient varieties like triticale, farmers can enhance food security while adapting to climate challenges.
Error
