Growth and development of rye

Rye (Secale spp.) is a member of the grass family, Poaceae, in the tribe Triticeae, which also includes wheat and barley.

Rye will grow on good soils, but for economic reasons it is usually sown on soils that are low in fertility and moisture holding capacity.

Rye is propagated by seed. The optimal planting time for winter rye usually ranges from mid September until mid October in Europe. Rye germinates within 4 days at a soil temperature of 4- 5 °C, and more rapidly at higher temperature.

Then, stem elongation starts and initiation and differentiation of the inflorescence take place. Flowering lasts 3 - 5 days for a spike and 8-12 days for a rye crop.

Rye is cross pollinated by wind. The period from sowing to harvesting varies from 4 – 1o months.

Rye can be sown any time between late summer and late fall, preferably during the earlier half of that period so that it can be pastured in the late fall.

It can be grown for several years in the same field without rotation, as is common practice in Europe, but is often rotated with corn, wheat, potatoes or sugar beets in the United States.

Rye is one of the important cereal grains of the world, and grows in more ‘difficult’ conditions than wheat – on poorer soil and in colder climates.

It will produce a crop on land too poor for wheat, In the cold climate of northern Europe, where soil is poor rye is an important and dependable source of bread flour.
Growth and development of rye