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Seed selection is the first step to quality wheat
Lincoln, Nebraska
September 3, 2004

Source: CropWatch and AgNews, The University of Nebraksa Lincoln

Wheat variety & planting resources

Several key resources from the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension offer objective, research-based information for wheat producers

Virtual Wheat Tour -- a Web site at www.panhandle.unl.edu with photos, descriptions, and key information on selecting complementary wheat varieties to balance your wheat portfolio. (see story below)Fall Seed Guide 2004 (EC04-103) and the UNL Variety Test Web site both of which publish the results of this year’s University field trials so growers can compare yields under various practices and soil conditions; also includes variety descriptions, certified seed companies; and approved seed conditioners.

Seeding Rates for Winter Wheat in Nebraska (G04-1543), a new Cooperative Extension NebGuide, is an excellent resource for determining the rate and calibrating the drill for more effective wheat planting. Available at local Extension offices.

Wheat Production Systems, 2004 edition, the latest wheat production information from the University of Nebraska and other universities. Hosted by the Panhandle's Research and Extension Center at Scottsbluff. Visit the site to sign up for email updates whenever new information is posted.

Many of Nebraska’s wheat producers had a rough year, getting hit with a triple whammy of severe drought, late frost and higher-than-normal levels of sprouting damage. People who have raised wheat for 40-50 years reported seeing sprouting for the first time. Diseases, including scab and common bunt, also influenced yields. The Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Service estimated average wheat yields at 32 bushels per acre, about 30% below last year.

While production, including seed production, was affected, it does not appear that seed quality for 2005 will be diminished. There’s been a thorough clean out of problem seed to achieve a high quality seed lot, said Steve Knox, manager of the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association. In wheat seed they’ve tested for certification average germination has been 93%, well above the 85% germination required for certified seed.

That’s a good sign for producers in the midst of ordering and planting wheat seed for 2005.

Seed selection While producers can’t control the weather or continuing drought, they can select seed to address potential yield and pest problems. With the “designer seeds” currently available to address a variety of production systems, growers can do a little research and select those seeds best suited to a particular field and farming system, said Knox. He recommends selecting wheat seed that is certified and well suited to the field’s soil and moisture conditions, expected disease pressure, and the farming operation. Producers should also consider treating their seed. On-farm wheat trials have shown that buying treated seed or treating it on-farm will pay benefits, especially this year, said Bob Klein, Extension cropping systems specialist.

When selecting seed, there is no single “perfect” variety, but selecting several complementary varieties can help balance potential weaknesses in one variety with the strengths of another variety. This compensation improves the opportunity for yield stability and profitability of the entire wheat production system.

The 2004 Fall Seed Guide, written by UNL Extension crop specialists, recommends four steps for balancing wheat seed selections to reduce risk while trying to achieve maximum yields:

  • Identify your workhorse variety -- one with reliable and proven yield records.
  • Complement production needs and limits. Select varieties with qualities matched to your production system and pest pressures.
  • Complement with a range of maturities. Select varieties that mature both before and after your workhorse to allow for non-normal years.
  • Complement with different genetics. Select varieties with 50% or less similar parentage to the workhorse variety and to each other. Varieties with similar genetic backgrounds often can be susceptible to the same disease and production risks.

Not surprisingly, a panel of UNL crop production specialists said yield was the first factor to consider when selecting a variety to meet one of the four criteria for building a balanced selection. Compare yields from both public and seed company results for fields and conditions similar to yours and do a little research to see how the variety has performed under different conditions and pest pressures in the past. To balance the workhorse variety, consider adding smaller fields of one or two of the newer varieties which offer a variety of attributes. Often three to five years of research data is available for these, starting from before they were released.

While complementation is a proven strategy, University trials also are testing wheat blends to see how they perform under various conditions. Next year will be the second year of the trial. (See the June 18, 2004 CropWatch for more information.)

Increasingly, producers are managing for higher yields and occasionally that may mean they select a variety with some susceptibility to a specific disease, Knox said. In many years, that disease may not be a problem in their area, but they need to be prepared to treat for it if necessary.

Lisa Jasa
CropWatch Editor

CropWatch and AgNews, The University of Nebraksa Lincoln

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