The range of grains in the agricultural sector could be extended. Scientists of the Institute of Genetics, Physiology and Plant Protection of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova created a new species of grains called triticale, which is a hybrid of wheat and rye, IPN reports, quoting a communiqué of the Academy.

The Moldovan scientists cultivated this hybrid on fields in Radoaia village of Sangerei district to test its resistance to weather conditions and its utility.

The Institute’s director, Doctor Habilitate Vasile Botnari said researches showed that the range of grains in the agricultural sector should be changed. “The obtained hybrids are more resistant to low temperatures in winter and to drought. Owing to the fact that they develop much more strong roots, the triticales can be grown on land with a lower level of fertility, on which other crops cannot give a high yield,” he stated.

He also said that the testing during several years showed that the triticales are not affected by the extreme weather conditions, giving a higher yield compared with barley, which is sensitive to cold and drought.

Specialists of the Institute recommend using triticales for flour and fodder. The hybrids of wheat and rye are much more productive than the ordinary wheat.

Owing to the frequent heavy rain during the harvest period this year, some of the wheat fields were affected by weeds. As a result, the yield and quality were lower. The triticales in such conditions resisted for a longer period of time and the harvest was not affected. The average yield per hectare was about 5 tonnes. The previous years, the yield of triticales was over 7 tonnes, while on the experimental plots of the Institute – even 10-11 tonnes per hectare.