Rye is the tallest small-grain cereal, which, due to frequent lodging, carries a high risk of yield losses and quality reductions. In order to sustainably harness the agricultural advantages and bioeconomic potential of rye, the breeding of lodging-resistant varieties is essential. One solution is the introduction of dwarfing genes; another is the development of hybrid varieties with medium to tall plant height and low susceptibility to lodging, achieved through increased straw stability. This way, genotypes can also be utilized for biogas production or as a raw material source for straw.
Experimental Approaches in the Project
In the project, phenotypic evaluations are conducted on a wide range of test crosses and standard varieties across three different trial series:
- Provocation Trial: With smaller plot size, halved application of growth regulators, and increased nitrogen fertilization.
- Performance Trial: Under standard agricultural practices.
- Biomass Trial: With whole-plant harvesting at the milk stage.
Results and Significance
The evaluation of straw, grain, and biomass yields revealed high heritability and large genotypic variance for lodging resistance, demonstrating rye’s potential for dual-purpose use (grain and straw/biomass). In addition to population genetic estimates, correlations between the provocation and performance trials for key agronomic traits are of particular interest.
