2016 Ohio Performance Test

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

Horticulture and Crop Science Series 228 - July 2016

M.W. Hankinson, Research Associate, Dept. Horticulture & Crop Science
J.D. Bethel, Research Associate, Dept. Horticulture & Crop Science
Clay Sneller, Associate Professor, Dept. Horticulture & Crop Science
Laura Lindsey, Assistant 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 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 fourteen 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, insecticides, and fungicides were applied as needed. 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. Average of Wood, Wayne, and Crawford locations. (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 past the flowering (Feekes growth stage 10.5.1) growth stage. 

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) Varieties were evaluated in an inoculated disease screening nursery at Wooster. FHB was rated as the percentage of spikelets diseased per plot (disease index).

Glume Blotch (SGB) and Leaf Blotch (SLB) Varieties were evaluated for Stagonospora leaf and glume blotch in an inoculated, irrigated disease screening nursery at Wooster. Both SLB and SGB severity were rated at about Feekes growth stage 11.3 as the average percent leaf and spike area diseased, respectively

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 2015, wheat was planted at four out of the five locations within 10-days of the fly-free date. Wheat emergence at the Wood County location was delayed due to dry soil conditions. However, above average temperatures through December promoted early growth, and wheat entered dormancy in good to excellent condition. Above average temperatures in March accelerated green-up. In April and May, several areas in Ohio experienced freezing temperatures, but wheat survival was good. Overall, grain test weight averaged 58.4 lb/bu (compared to an average test weight of 56.3 lb/bu in 2015). Grain yield averaged between 97 and 119 bu/acre at the five locations. 

RESULTS

Results of the 2016 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 73 soft red winter wheat varieties evaluated in 2016 are presented in Table 1. Tables 2 and 3 contain multi-year variety performance data. Depending on variety and test site, yields varied between 74.5 and 136.1 bushels per acre and test weight ranged from 56.2 to 60.3 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 2016 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 2016 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 CFAES Marketing and Communications for their assistance in preparing the test results for publication. Special thanks to Rich Minyo, OARDC Wooster, for his assistance and expertise in conducting the 2016 Ohio Wheat Performance Test.

7/2016 
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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, Roger Rennekamp, Director, Ohio State University Extension.