2017 Ohio Performance Test

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

Horticulture and Crop Science Series 228 - July 2017

M.W. Hankinson, J. McCormick, Clay Sneller, Laura Lindsey, Dept. of Horticulture & Crop Science
Pierce Paul, Dept. of Plant Pathology
David Lohnes, Information Technology Services
Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center / Ohio State University Extension

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 25 feet long. Participating companies specified the seeding rate used for each of their varieties. Tests were planted within fourteen days after the fly-free date and approximately 30 pounds of nitrogen/acre was applied at planting followed by the addition of 80-100 pounds/acre 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.).

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 135 = May 15.)

Powdery Mildew (PM) Powdery mildew (caused by Blumaria graminis f. sp. tritici) was evaluated on a 0 to 10 scale at Wooster at the heading (Feekes growth stage 10.5) growth stage. Varieties were then ranked as Susceptible (S: score ≥ 8), Moderately Susceptible (MS: score > 5 and < 8), Moderately Resistant (MR: score > 3 and < 5) and Resistant (R: score < 3).

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, mist-irrigated disease screening nursery at Wooster. Both SLB and SGB severity were rated at about Feekes growth stage 11.3 as the average percent flag 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 2016, wheat was planted at three out of the five locations within two weeks of the fly-free date. Wheat was planted 17 and 15 days after the fly-free date at the Wood County and Wayne County locations, respectively, due to 1.3-1.4 inch of rainfall between September 26 and October 3. Slightly above average temperatures through December promoted early growth, and wheat entered dormancy in good to excellent condition. Wheat growth and development were a week to ten days earlier than normal due to above average temperatures in March and April. Generally, harvest conditions were favorable and earlier than normal. Overall, grain test weight averaged 56.0 lb/bu (compared to an average test weight of 58.4 lb/bu in 2016). Grain yield averaged between 87.1 and 109.1 bu/acre at the five locations.

RESULTS

Results of the 2017 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 74 soft red winter wheat varieties evaluated in 2017 are presented in Table 1. Tables 2 and 3 contain multi-year variety performance data. Depending on variety and test site, yields varied between 71.2 and 122.3 bushels per acre and test weight ranged from 54.1 to 57.5 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Ohio Wheat Performance Test.

7/2017
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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.