<div>Background: In Mediterranean climate, drought and heat stress are the main constraints for cereal production under rainfed conditions. In these conditions, the selection of suitable genotypes is crucial to improve production. 
 
Methods: 20 advanced triticale lines were evaluated under semi-arid conditions in Setif (Algeria) during the 2019/2020 season using agronomic, morphological and physiological traits. 
 
Result: The results obtained showed that lines with higher numbers of tillers, spikes, grains per spike, leaf area index and leaf chlorophyll content produced more grains and used water more efficiently when faced to drought and heat stress in post-anthesis phase. Also, high chlorophyll content, high relative water content and maintenance of cell membrane stability delayed senescence and extended the grain filling stage. Relative water content was also related to high grain protein content. This work evaluated this set of triticale lines and identified traits positively related to grain yield and water use efficiency in Mediterranean region.</div>

Behavior assessment of some Triticale (Triticosecale wittmack) Genotypes under Mediterranean Semi-arid Conditions

<div style="text-align: justify;">This study was conducted to determine the effects of mixture ratios and harvest times on mineral contents of forage pea &ndash; triticale mixtures hay. &nbsp;Leafed and semi-leafless pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars and triticale (xTriticosecale Wittmack) were sown in pure and in mixtures (75:25, 50:50, 25:75). Harvests were performed at boot and milk-dough stages of triticale. Experiments were conducted in randomized blocks design with 3 replications for 2 years. The data were subjected to ANOVA. Additionally, Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between triticale ratios and quality parameters. &nbsp;1n the first year at both harvest times of all mixtures; while Ca, Mg and Ca/P ratios decreased with increasing triticale ratios in mixture, K/(Ca+Mg) ratio increased with increasing triticale ratios in mixture ratio. Herbage mineral contents decreased with delaying harvest. It was concluded based on animal nutrition principles that triticale ratios of the mixtures should be limited and harvest should be performed at boot stage of triticale.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Mineral contents of forage pea &ndash; triticale intercropping systems harvested at different growth stages</div>

Background: Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a valuable forage legume due to its adaptability and nutritional quality. However, optimizing its yield and quality often requires mixed planting with compatible cereals. This study aimed to identify the best mixture ratio of grass pea with awnless barley (Hordeum vulgare), triticale (Triticosecale wittmack) and oat (Avena sativa) to achieve high-yield, high-quality forage. The goal was to balance grass pea&rsquo;s high protein content with the structural and yield-enhancing benefits of cereals, improving digestibility while reducing fiber content. 
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Methods: The experiment was conducted over two winter seasons using a randomized block design with three replications. Grass pea was intercropped with awnless barley, triticale and oat at different ratios. Parameters such as forage yields, crude protein content, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), digestibility and relative feed value (RFV) were measured. The data were collected annually and two-year averages were used. Statistical analysis assessed the effects of mixture ratios on yield and forage quality. 
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Result: The study showed that increasing cereal ratios enhanced green forage and dry matter yields and crude protein content but also raised ADF and NDF levels, reducing digestibility. In contrast, higher grass pea ratios improved crude protein content and forage quality. Across both years, pure grass pea and the 60% grass pea + 40% awnless barley mixture had the highest crude protein contents, while pure cereals and the 20% grass pea + 80% barley mixture produced more dry matter. Overall, the 60% grass pea + 40% awnless barley mixture provided the best balance of yield and nutritional value for ruminant feed.

Behavior assessment of some Triticale (Triticosecale wittmack) Genotypes under Mediterranean Semi-arid Conditions

Mineral contents of forage pea – triticale intercropping systems harvested at different growth stages

Effect of Mixtures of Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) and Different Forage Grasses on Yield and Quality