Response of grain and protein yields of triticale varieties at different levels of applied nitrogen fertilizer

The grain yield and grain protein content of winter triticale in dry farming can be significantly affected by environmental conditions and different nitrogen (N) levels. Two year field trials with six winter triticale cultivars (Tatlicak, 97; Presto, 2000; Karma, 2000; Melez, 2001; Mikham, 2002 are registered in Turkey and Samur Sortu in Azerbaijan) were conducted in Central Anatolia, Turkey to investigate the possible influences of nitrogen levels on grain yield, grain protein content and grain protein yields. Nitrogen level applications included: N0 (control), N1 (0+40 kg ha-1), N2 (40+0 kg ha-1), N3 (40+40 kg ha-1) and N4 (80+80 kg ha-1) (the first amount used for sowing and the second top dressed). There were differences between cultivars in response to a variation in N level. Grain yield, grain protein content, and grain protein yield showed a highly significant response to N levels, increasing with rising N levels till N3 level. Grain yield, protein content and protein yield were highest at N3 (40+40 kg ha-1) level. The grain yield of triticale did not differ at N1 and N2 (total 40 kg N ha-1) levels depending on application time. Melez, 2001 cultivar produced higher performance than the other triticale cultivars.