Rye

Rye, Secale cereale, is an herbaceous annual or biennial in the family Poaceae that is grown primarily for its grain. Rye has an erect slender stem topped with a curved spike which is 7–15 cm (3–6 in) length. The head is made up of individual spikelets each with two florets which produce 1–2 kernels. The spikelets and arranged alternately along the length of the head.The leaves of the plant grow from nodes on the stem and are lance-like blades, blue-green in color. Rye can reach 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) in height and is either grown as an annual (spring rye) or biennial (winter rye). Modern rye does not occur naturally but is likely derived from wild ancestors found in Afghanistan, Iran and the Middle East.


Rye grain can be used to make alcoholic drinks such as whiskey, gin and beer or used as a livestock feed. Rye flour can be used to make bread. Rye is extensively grown as a winter cover crop to prevent soil erosion and the mature stems are commonly used as animal bedding.


Basic requirements Rye is a cool season annual grass which can be grown in a wide range of soils and climates. Rye grows best when planted in well draining sandy or light loams but can also be grown in clay soils. The optimum pH for rye growth is between 5.6 and 6.5. Rye will germinate when soil temperatures are between 4 and 5°C (39–41°F). Daily temperatures should not exceed an average of 20°C in order for the plant to grow adequately. Winter rye should be planted in fall to mid-winter depending on the variety and be overwintered for a summer harvest, while spring rye is planted in the spring for summer harvest. Propagation Rye is propagated directly from seed and can be sown by broadcasting or by drilling. Seeds should be sown to a depth of 2.5–5.0 cm (1–2 in) allowing 15–18 cm (6–7 in) between rows where seeds are drilled. Seeding If seeds are broadcast, they must be covered to ensure adequate germination. Seeding rates are generally between 100 to 150 kg of seed per hectare for winter rye and 150 to 200 kg per hectare for spring rye to produce a plant stand of 200-300 plants per square meter. General care and maintenance Rye fields should be kept free from weeds through the use of herbicides or by harrowing. Herbicides may be applied while the plants are at the tillering stage of growth. Rye will benefit from the addition of nitrogen which is often the biggest yield limiting factor in rye cultivation. Fertilizer should be applied when the crop begins to grow and the application may be split over two applications. Harvesting Rye is ready to harvest when the leaves are dead and the stems have turned yellow-brown in color. Rye is commonly harvested by combine but can also be harvested by hand.


CABI Crop Protection Compendium. (2010). Secale cereale (rye) datasheet. Available at: http://www.cabi.org/cpc/datasheet/49471. [Accessed 07 April 15]. Paid subscription required. USDA NRCS. Cereal Rye. US Department of Agriculture, Elsberry Plant Materials Center, Missouri. Available at: https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_sece.pdf. [Accessed 07 April 15]. Free to access. Van Veldhuizen, B. (2010). Growing small grains in your garden. University of Alaska Fairbanks. Available at: http://www.uaf.edu/files/snras/C135.pdf. [Accessed 07 April 15]. Free to access.