Breeding progress on triticale obtained in Switzerland by Changins Research Station

Triticale is bred in Switzerland since 30 years. Based on observations on breeding lines between 1988 and 2006, this article analyzes the main breeding progresses achieved. Agronomic performances of the 2281 lines show that:productivity per cm height was improved with a rate of 1,4% per year protein yield was increased by 1,4 dt/ha, thus progressing by 1,1 to 1,3% per year protein content of the grain was improved by 2 points; at the same time the test weight gained 7 points (kg/hl).Considering the negative correlation between test-weight and protein content, as well as between protein and yield, these simultaneous outcomes greatly contributed to the good acceptance of this crop in Switzerland. Triticale became thus an easy and economically interesting crop. Recently, the losses of resistance towards diseases like powdery mildew launched new challenges to the breeder. The search for new sources of resistance proves to be necessary.