Triticale: A Climate-Resilient Pseudocereal with Benefits Food and Energy Nexus
摘要
A hybrid of wheat (Triticum spp.) and rye (Secale cereale) is a pseudocereal known as triticale (× Triticosecale) with enormous potential and can survive the climate in integrated food and energy systems. Its ability to adapt to marginal, low-fertility and rainfed agroecosystems coupled with moderate heat and water stress tolerance has enabled it to be grown in areas where other staple cereals cannot be grown. Triticale is a multi-purpose type of crop that can be used as nutritious grain food. It is also the source of straw that enables the production of bioenergy such as biogas, bioethanol, solid fuel and so on. Research shows that some genotypes of triticale produces grain yields ranging from 4.83 to 6.92 t ha−1 and fresh forage biomass between 20.06 and 29.78 t ha−1, hence is viable in the production of renewable energy. Its moderate level of nitrogen and phosphorus demand coupled with ease of adaptation in the soil makes it quite effective especially in rotation or intercropping with legumes. It has been indicated that the inclusion of triticale into resilient cropping systems is both beneficial in land-use efficiency and soil health as well as climate adaptability. It also provides contribution to the renewable energy sector. The key aim of this chapter is to have a detailed overview of the agronomic characteristics of triticale, nutritional content and bioenergy capabilities in attainment of sustainable food and energy nexus. Combination of empirical data, crop modelling, use of remote sensing and socio-economic policies ensures that triticale produces the most benefits to climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.