How to Harvest and Store Triticale Grain

Triticale is a hybrid cereal grain, a cross between wheat (Triticum) and rye (Secale), developed to combine the best qualities of both grains. It offers excellent yield potential, good disease resistance, and adaptability to various growing conditions. Its high protein content and robustness make it a valuable crop for both animal feed and human consumption. Proper harvesting and storage techniques are crucial to maintaining the quality of triticale grain, ensuring it remains viable for use or sale.

In this article, we will explore the comprehensive steps involved in harvesting and storing triticale grain effectively, addressing timing, techniques, equipment, and storage conditions to maximize quality and minimize losses.

Understanding When to Harvest Triticale

Harvest timing is critical for optimizing grain yield and quality. Harvesting triticale too early or too late can negatively impact the moisture content, kernel quality, and overall usability of the grain.

Signs of Maturity

• Grain Moisture Content: Ideal harvest moisture content for triticale ranges from 14% to 18%. Higher moisture levels increase the risk of spoilage during storage, while harvesting at too low moisture may result in grain shatter and losses.
• Grain Hardness: Mature kernels become hard and firm when gently pressed between fingers.
• Color Change: The heads often change from green to a golden yellow or light brown as they mature.
• Drying of Vegetative Parts: The leaves and stems begin to dry out and turn brown.
• Kernel Test Weight: A stable test weight is an indicator that the grain has reached its potential density.

Methods to Determine Harvest Readiness

• Moisture Testing: Using a portable moisture meter can provide accurate readings on kernel moisture.
• Visual Inspection: Observing field uniformity; ensure most plants have reached maturity before harvesting.
• Swath Testing: Cutting a small section, drying it in an oven or using sun drying methods can help establish moisture levels practically.

Harvest decisions often involve balancing moisture content with weather forecasts—as prolonged waiting for lower moisture can lead to risks of lodging, pests, or adverse weather damage.

Equipment Preparation for Harvesting

Proper preparation of harvesting equipment ensures efficient operation, minimizing kernel damage and grain loss.

Combine Harvester Settings

• Cylinder Speed: Adjust the cylinder speed to gently thresh without cracking the kernels.
• Concave Clearance: Set properly to allow effective threshing but avoid over threshing that causes broken kernels.
• Fan Speed: Adjust fan speed to separate chaff without blowing away lightweight grains.
• Sieve Settings: Properly balance sieve opening to separate grain from chaff efficiently.

Other Equipment

• Ensure all belts, chains, and moving parts are lubricated.
• Clean harvesters thoroughly before use to reduce contamination.
• Calibrate grain loss monitors if available.

Harvesting Techniques

Direct Combining vs Swathing

• Direct Combining involves cutting standing triticale with a combine harvester. This method saves time but requires careful timing when grain moisture is suitable.
• Swathing involves cutting plants and laying them in windrows to dry before combining. This method suits regions where drying conditions are uncertain but adds extra time and costs.

Field Conditions for Harvest

Harvest when fields are dry to prevent soil compaction and machinery issues. Avoid harvesting when plants are wet due to dew or rain as this increases the risk of mold development during storage.

Post-Harvest Handling

Cleaning the Grain

Removing debris such as straw pieces, weed seeds, dirt, and damaged kernels improves storage quality. Use air screen cleaners designed for small grains to clean harvested triticale thoroughly.

Drying the Grain

Drying is essential if the harvested grain moisture exceeds 14%. Methods include:

• Natural Air Drying: Using ambient air circulation through bulk grain stacks; energy-efficient but weather-dependent.
• Forced-Air Drying: Using heated air blown through bins or drying floors; faster but requires energy input.

Aim to reduce grain moisture below 14% to inhibit microbial growth and insect activity.

Storing Triticale Grain Properly

Storage conditions significantly impact shelf life and quality retention.

Storage Facilities

• Bins or Silos: Metal or concrete bins provide good protection against pests and weather.
• Bags: Grain bags can be used temporarily but are less ideal for long-term storage.
• Granaries: Traditional wooden granaries require good ventilation and pest control.

Environmental Controls

• Temperature: Maintain storage temperature below 15°C (59°F) where possible. Cooler temperatures slow down spoilage organisms and insect development.
• Moisture: Keep stored grain dry; ideal equilibrium moisture content depends on ambient humidity but generally should remain below 14%.
• Aeration: Periodic aeration helps maintain uniform temperature and moisture throughout the bulk grain mass.

Pest Management

Regular inspection for insects such as weevils or mites is essential. Use integrated pest management strategies:

• Sanitize storage bins before filling.
• Use insecticides or fumigants if legally permitted.
• Employ natural deterrents like diatomaceous earth mixed with grain if appropriate.

Monitoring Stored Grain

Regular monitoring ensures early detection of problems:

• Check temperature at multiple points using probes.
• Measure moisture periodically with portable meters.
• Inspect visually for mold growth or insect activity.

If hotspots or moisture accumulation occur, aerate immediately or remove affected sections.

Common Challenges in Harvesting and Storing Triticale

Weather Risks

Unexpected rain during harvest can elevate kernel moisture, risking spoilage. Plan harvest windows carefully with weather forecasts in mind.

Mechanical Damage

Poorly adjusted combines can crack kernels leading to decreased market value. Regular calibration is vital.

Storage Losses

Spoilage due to mold or insects can cause significant economic losses. Maintaining proper drying and aeration protocols mitigates these risks.

Conclusion

Harvesting and storing triticale requires attention to detail at every stage—from determining optimal maturity through timely harvesting techniques, proper handling after harvest, precise drying protocols, to secure storage management. By following best practices outlined above, farmers can maximize yield quality, preserving the nutritional value of triticale grain while reducing losses from spoilage or pests. As demand for this versatile hybrid cereal continues growing globally, mastering these skills supports sustainable production systems that benefit producers economically and environmentally.