2015 Ohio Performance Test

Ohio State University Extension
Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center
The Ohio State University

Horticulture and Crop Science Series 228 - August 2015

Rich Minyo, Research Associate, Dept. Horticulture & Crop Science
Laura Lindsey, Assistant Professor, Dept. Horticulture & Crop Science
Allen Geyer, Research Associate, Dept. Horticulture & Crop Science
Clay Sneller, Associate Professor, Dept. Horticulture & Crop Science
Pierce Paul, Associate Professor, Dept. Plant Pathology
David Lohnes, Web Developer, Information Technology Dept.

The purpose of the Ohio Wheat Performance Test is to evaluate wheat varieties, blends, brands, and breeding lines for yield, grain quality and other important performance characteristics. This information gives wheat producers comparative information for selecting the varieties best suited for their production system and market. Varieties differ in yield potential, winter hardiness, maturity, standability, disease and insect resistance, and other agronomic characteristics. Selection should be based on performance from multiple test sites and years.

EVALUATION PROCEDURES

Each entry was evaluated at five test sites (see front cover) using four replications per site in a randomized complete block design. Plots consisted of 7 rows, 7.5 inches apart and 40 feet long. Participating companies specified the seeding rate used for each of their varieties. Tests were planted within twenty one days after the fly-safe date and approximately 30 pounds of nitrogen was applied at planting followed by the addition of 80-100 pounds in early spring. Herbicides and insecticides were applied as needed for weed and insect control, and the following data were collected:

Yield is reported in bushels per acre at 13.5 percent moisture.

Test Weight is reported in lb/bushel averaged across all locations.

Seed Size is thousands of harvested seeds per pound (Ex: 15.5 = 15,500 seeds per lb.).

Percent Lodging is the percent of plants that lean more than 45 degrees from vertical.

Plant Height is the distance from the soil surface to the top of the heads.

Heading Date was the average calendar day of the year on which 50 percent of the heads were completely emerged. (Example: Day 136 = May 15.)

Powdery Mildew (PM) Powdery mildew (caused by Blumaria graminis f. Sp. tritici) was evaluated at Wooster when most varieties were at the heading (Feekes growth stage 10.5) growth stage. Each plot was rated on a 0 to 10 scale where: 0 = 0 to trace % leaf area covered; 1 = leaf 4 with trace - 50%; 2 = leaf 3 with 1-5%; 3 = leaf 3 with 5-15%; 4 = leaf 3 with > 15%; 5 = leaf 2 with 1-5%; 6 = leaf 2 with 5-15%; 7 = leaf 2 with >15%; 8 = leaf 1 with 1-5%; 9 = leaf 1 with 5-15%; and 10 = leaf 1 with >15% leaf area covered (leaf 1 = flag leaf). This scale takes into account the percentage leaf area affected and the upward progress of the disease on the plants.

Flour Yield is the percent flour yield from milled whole grain.

Flour Softness is the percent of fine-granular milled flour. Values higher than approximately 50 indicate kernel textures that are appropriate for soft wheat. Generally, high values are more desirable.

GROWING CONDITIONS

In fall 2014, wheat was planted at four out of the five locations within 10-days of the fly-free-safe date. Wheat entered dormancy in good to excellent condition. Overall, air temperatures in January and February were below normal. In mid-April, several areas in Ohio experienced freezing temperatures for several hours. However, wheat survival the following spring was good. June and July were much wetter than normal in many areas which resulted in a later than normal wheat harvest. Overall, grain test weight averaged 56.3 lb/bu (compared to an average test weight of 58.8 lb/bu in 2014). Grain yield averaged between 77 and 92 bu/acre at the five locations. Lower than normal test weight and grain yield may be attributed to wet weather in June and July and delayed harvest

RESULTS

Results of the 2015 wheat performance test are presented in Tables 1-3. Entries in the data tables are arranged by seed source. A least significant difference (LSD) value can be used to determine if the performance of two varieties was statistically different. The yields of two varieties are expected to be significantly different 90 percent of the time if their yields differ by more than the reported LSD value. Flour yield and softness tests were performed by USDA-ARS Soft Wheat Quality Laboratory, at OARDC in Wooster, OH, Dr. Byung-Kee Baik, Director.

Test results for the 78 soft red winter wheat varieties evaluated in 2015 are presented in Table 1. Tables 2 and 3 contain multi-year variety performance data. Depending on variety and test site, yields varied between 58.4 and 105.7 bushels per acre and test weight ranged from 53.9 to 58.4 pounds per bushel. Yield differences between test sites were due primarily to the soil drainage, weather during the grain fill period & harvest, and disease level. Variety selection should be based on disease resistance, average yield across test sites and years (Tables 2 & 3), winter hardiness, test weight and standability.

Table 4 contains susceptibility of winter wheat varieties to various diseases in Ohio. Particular emphasis should be placed on FHB as this is important in reducing vomitoxin in grain. Table 5 contains the company contact information and seed treatments used for each variety entered in the 2015 wheat performance test.

Inclusion of varieties in the Ohio Wheat Performance Test does not constitute an endorsement of any variety by The Ohio State University, Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center, or Ohio State University Extension.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank our farmer cooperators for their contributions to the 2015 wheat variety testing program. We are grateful for the assistance provided by Ken Scaife, OARDC Field Operations, Wooster and Matt Davis, OARDC Northwest Branch Research Station. We thank Kelly Zachrich in CFAES Communications for her assistance in preparing the test results for publication.

8/2015
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Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension.