MSU AG Researchers Have New Triticale Grain Lines for Licensing

Montana State University researchers have produced two new varieties of the grain triticale, a cross of wheat and rye that combines the grain quality, yield and disease resistance of wheat with the vigor and hardiness of rye. These two new technologies are available for licensing together or separately and are currently open for review at MSU agricultural research centers in Bozeman, Havre, Moccasin and Sheridan.

The two triticale lines – 110WCF57 and 111WCF57 – improve on the grain’s disease resistance and tendency to put more growth into the protein-supplying seed rather than other parts of the plant. Either of these lines will be appropriate for livestock forage, silage, erosion control, or wildlife food plots. The grain may be suitable for human food uses. These lines are ideal for producers using a double crop system to maximize annual forage production.  

Though the two lines are generally similar, 110WCF57 is 5-7 inches shorter than 111WCF57, which might be preferable for growers using it as a forage crop.

Among other improved qualities the new triticale lines display versus comparable Triticale lines are: reduced awns or awnless heads (the hair-like fibers that extend from the seed head and can injure livestock); stem strength; increased yield; nutritional value; and resistance to shatter or head breakage. Advantages over Willow Creek winter wheat are: Earlier maturing (by five to 10 days); greater forage yield; and greater resistance to wheat streak mosaic. 

Currently, MSU has 229 licenses from technologies developed by faculty and researchers. Of those, 72 licenses are with Montana companies.

Additional information including a form to be filled out by prospective licensees is available at: http://tto.montana.edu/tech/docs/TriticaleAnnouncementLetter.pdf or by contacting Gary Bloomer, MSU Technology Transfer Office, at (406) 994-7483 or [email protected].