State of breeding, features of seed production and cultivation technology of F1 winter rye hybrids (Secale cereale L.)

At present, there is an active introduction of F₁ winter rye hybrids into agricultural production in the Republic of Belarus. Over the past seven years, the share of F₁ rye hybrids has increased from 1 to 12 % of the total sown area of  this crop. Due to the effect of heterosis in the first generation, hybrids can be 15–20 % higher in yield than population varieties. At the same time, it must be taken into account that such an excess can only be achieved with strict adherence to all elements of cultivation technology. The paper describes the state of breeding of F₁ winter rye hybrids in Belarus, and the basic requirements for their effective cultivation in the conditions of agricultural enterprises in Belarus. Methods of parental components multiplication and obtaining seeds of linear-population F₁ hybrids are presented. The risks and yield losses when growing winter rye hybrids in the F₂ generation are shown. Using the reserve for increasing productivity due to the effect of heterosis in F₁ hybrids in the conditions of Belarus is especially important in the Grodno, winter rye hybrids. The recommended sowing area for F₁ hybrids in Belarus, taking into account both the current structure of sown areas and soil and climatic conditions, should be about 10–12 % of the total area of winter rye.

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