The Influence of Simulated Subtropical and Temperate Climates on Hot and Cold Climate Wheat Varieties for Ensiling

Abstract Two wheat varieties, developed for hot and cold climates, respectively, were grown in climatological chambers programmed to simulate subtropical and temperate climates. The plants were tested, their composition was determined, and they were ensiled in test tubes at five different maturation stages. The hot‐climate variety required 25–82 % more time to reach the same maturation stage in temperate climates in comparison with in subtropical climates, but developed well in both climates. However, the cold‐climate variety failed to mature under subtropical climatic conditions and only reached the flowering stage; temperate‐climatic conditions increased its height and yield. Differences in volatile fatty acids, lactic acid and ethanol were recorded between the two silages.