Triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) is a valuable dual-purpose crop due to its adaptability to marginal environments and its potential for both high-quality grain and forage production. However, a comprehensive evaluation of its forage quality characteristics and agronomic performances is still needed. This study evaluated the grain and forage yield potentials and nutritional compositions of 11 triticale genotypes over two consecutive years in a semi-arid region located in Shanxi province, China. Forage quality was assessed using several key parameters, including nutrient composition, fiber digestibility, mineral content, and energy density, while grain quality parameters, including nutrient composition as well as carbohydrate and fiber characteristics, were also analyzed. Significant genetic variation was observed in these traits, indicating the influence of genotype–environment interactions on these traits. The tested genotypes exhibited grain yields ranging from 4.83 to 6.92 t ha⁻¹ and fresh forage biomass yields between 20.06 and 29.78 t ha⁻¹, demonstrating their potential for sustainable forage and grain production under semi-arid conditions. Genotypes from our breeding programs, including Shengnongsicao 1 and Jinsicao 1, demonstrated superior adaptability, maintaining stable forage and grain yield potentials under adverse conditions. Their favorable nutritional characteristics further enhance their suitability for semi-arid livestock systems. High levels of essential minerals, particularly calcium and potassium, further enhanced the nutritional value of these genotypes. These results provide valuable insights for triticale breeding programs and suggest triticale’s potential as a reliable crop in semi-arid regions, where maximizing land productivity is essential.

A total of 159 wheat–Thinopyrum intermedium derivatives, originating from six Zhong partial amphiploids, were evaluated for resistance to powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) at both seedling and adult-plant stages, as well as for field resistance to wheat aphids, together with key agronomic traits. Adult-plant resistance to powdery mildew was common across three years: 34 lines (21.4%) exhibited stable resistance, and 27 (17.0%) were moderately resistant. Resistance frequencies differed among pedigree backgrounds, with Zhong 2 & 5 derivatives showing the highest proportion of stable resistant lines (35.7%). Seedling resistance was detected in 63 lines (39.6%). Aphid resistance was less frequent, with 61 lines (38.4%) classified as resistant, including two highly resistant lines derived from Zhong 3 and Zhong 1 & 3 backgrounds. Combined resistance traits were comparatively rare. Thirty-two lines exhibited resistance to powdery mildew at both seedling and adult-plant stages, while nine lines displayed combined resistance to seedling mildew, adult mildew, and aphids. Analysis of agronomic traits indicated that environmental effects accounted for a substantial proportion of the observed phenotypic variation, whereas pedigree background and resistance responses contributed comparatively little. Correlation analyses revealed generally weak associations between resistance responses and agronomic traits, suggesting that resistance was not a major determinant of agronomic performance within the evaluated population. The identified resistant materials, therefore, represent valuable pre-breeding resources for the incorporation of resistance to multiple biotic stresses in wheat. Further genetic characterization and multi-environment evaluation will facilitate their effective utilization in wheat improvement programs.