By Greg Roth
Professor of Agronomy
Lines in our tests varied by about 30 bushels per acre. Variety selection can be your most important management decision.
We have posted our 2015 winter wheat variety evaluation data on our small grain management site. We had two good trials this year with good to excellent yields at both locations. Lodging was not serious in either test, even with the spring topdressing of 100 lb. N/a. Some mildew was present in this year’s crop and Dr. Collins provided a rating for this disease at the Lancaster location. Scab levels were relatively low in both trials. The exceptionally high yields at the Lancaster County location were a result of early planting, a cool spring with ample moisture and sufficient N to support high yield development. Head density was exceptional in this trial. Harvesting was a bit later than normal at the Lancaster trial, so test weight were reduced compared to what we might expect otherwise. Our Centre County location had great stands, but yield was limited a bit by the late green up and tiller development in the field. This was typical of wheat in the area. Winter injury was minimal at both locations.
Selecting a top yielding wheat variety is the first step to maximizing yields. At both locations, lines in our tests varied by about 30 bushels per acre. I would encourage you to look at wheat performance trials in surrounding states such as Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.