Comprehensive evaluation of feed value and production potential of hexaploid triticale in the Gansu ecological-region

In order to screen new triticale varieties (lines) with elite quality forage and adaptation to the ecological environment of Gansu Province, principal component analysis was used to comprehensively evaluate 13 triticale lines from CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) based on 21 characters, such as agronomic characters, forage yield, nutrient quality and forage value, etc. The results showed that 1) Hexaploid triticale lines (spring, food-feed type) of CIMMYT have great potential for forage production and wide adaptability in Gansu, with high lysine content in the stems and leaves. The forage value is consistent with that of domestic winter triticale. 2) Adaptability of different variety (line) was different. T-133 and T-138 had good performance in the fields of irrigation and water stress, and the comprehensive scores of principal component analysis were high, which indicated T-133 and T-138 had wide adaptability in different ecological areas. The grain and biological yield of T-128 and T-137 were stable, and their cellulose content decreased slightly under water stress condition to show better relative feed value, in contrast, soluble sugar of T-128 and T-137 was increased significantly to indicate drought tolerance and being grown in cold and drought-prone regions, such as Tianzhu and Gannan County. T-134 has poor drought resistance, but the performance of each character in the irrigation field is excellent, which can be used in irrigated areas (for example Huangyang and Minle) or in areas with high rainfall (such as Linxia, Tianshui, and so on). T-152 can be used as parental material for triticale breeding with higher mineral elements and better forage quality, but its yield is low. This study enriches the parent types of triticale breeding, promotes the diversified development of forages, and provides the evidence for the demonstration extension of CIMMYT triticale in Gansu Province and in similar ecological zones.