Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.4, 201-211 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 206 4.3 Analysis of local adaptability and yield Triticale's adaptability to various environmental stresses, such as salinity and water deficit, has been well-documented. In salinity-affected regions, triticale lines demonstrated higher yield stability and adaptability compared to wheat (Farokhzadeh et al., 2022). Additionally, triticale's higher photosynthetic rates and better water-use efficiency contributed to its superior performance in Mediterranean climates (Méndez-Espinoza et al., 2019). The crop's ability to produce more grain per unit of water and nitrogen inputs further underscores its adaptability and potential for sustainable agriculture (Tamagno et al., 2022). 4.4 Nutritional impact on the local population The nutritional content of triticale and wheat has significant implications for local populations. Triticale has been shown to produce more nutritious baked products when blended with wheat, potentially reducing the environmental footprint of food production (Tamagno et al., 2022). Moreover, foliar zinc application has been effective in biofortifying both triticale and wheat, enhancing their zinc content and addressing micronutrient deficiencies in human diets (Dhaliwal et al., 2019). The higher protein content in certain triticale varieties also contributes to improved nutritional outcomes (Upreti et al., 2022). In summary, triticale's superior yield, adaptability to various environmental stresses, and enhanced nutritional content make it a promising alternative to wheat in diverse agricultural regions. These findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating triticale into local farming systems to improve both agricultural sustainability and nutritional security. 5 Economic Considerations 5.1 Market demand and pricing The market demand and pricing for triticale and wheat significantly influence their economic viability. Triticale, despite its higher yield in certain conditions, often faces lower market prices compared to wheat. For instance, a study conducted in Washington revealed that the market price for triticale grain was consistently lower than that for wheat, making it less economically competitive despite its higher grain yield (Schillinger and Archer, 2020). This price disparity is a critical factor that affects the overall profitability of triticale cultivation. 5.2 Cost of cultivation and profit margins The cost of cultivation and profit margins for triticale and wheat vary based on several factors, including input costs and yield. In a long-term study in a dry Mediterranean climate, it was found that winter triticale produced more grain than winter wheat but was not economically competitive due to its lower market price. The study suggested that a 15-21% increase in triticale price or grain yield would be necessary for it to match the profitability of wheat rotations (Schillinger and Archer, 2020). Another study highlighted that the economic efficiency of triticale production could be enhanced by optimizing nitrogen fertilization and tillage methods. The gross margin was higher for hybrid triticale forms under traditional tillage with higher nitrogen rates, indicating that careful management practices can improve profitability (Derejko et al., 2020). 5.3 Economic viability in different regions The economic viability of triticale and wheat varies across different regions due to climatic and soil conditions. In the Amur region, triticale showed competitive yields compared to traditional spring crops, with higher productivity in the southern zone but lower in the central and northern zones (Muratov et al., 2023). In Mediterranean environments, triticale exhibited higher yield stability and productivity compared to wheat, particularly under water-limited conditions, suggesting its potential economic advantage in such regions (Méndez-Espinoza et al., 2019). Additionally, in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais, triticale demonstrated higher dry matter yield and better nutritional quality for forage compared to wheat, indicating its suitability and economic potential for forage production in such environments (Vieira et al., 2022). Overall, while triticale shows promise in terms of yield and adaptability, its economic viability is heavily influenced by market prices, cost of cultivation, and regional suitability. Strategic management practices and market adjustments are essential to enhance its profitability and competitiveness with wheat.
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