Botanists first crossbred wheat and rye in 1876. This process yielded a hybrid plant that could not produce seeds. In 1937, scientists discovered that treating seedlings of wheat-rye crosses with a chemical called colchicines made the plants fertile.
The first triticale breeding program was set up in Sweden in the mid-1930's. By the 1950's, many countries, including the United States and Canada, has such programs. These programs have developed many varieties of the grain. Someday, triticale may become an important food in countries not suited for wheat production. Some varieties can grow in cold climates and in sandy or acid soils. Other resist rust better than wheat does and produce a higher yield than rye. At higher latitudes, triticale grain yields increase at a greater rate than do wheat yields.
Triticale will probably be used in many countries mainly as an animal feed. It can also serve as a pasture crop. Food companies may use triticale to make four for bread and cake. Other potential uses for the grain include cereal products and beermaking.
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