2005 Year in Review

From the Fields - Winter Wheat

Source: Jim Morrison, Extension Educator, Crop Systems, Rockford Extension Center, University of Illinois, 417 Ware Avenue, Suite 102, Rockford, IL 61107, Phone 815-397-7714, Fax 815-397-8620, email: morrison@uiuc.edu

Variety selection is an important management decision in crop production. As northern Illinois wheat producers make plans for seeding winter wheat in September, current variety information is available at Extension offices and on the World Wide Web.

The 2005 yield, test weight, and height from public and private wheat varieties grown at University of Illinois Agronomy Research Centers across the state are available at this website Variety Testing. Also included is the two-year (2004-05) and three-year (2003-05) yield average. Data is available back to 1997.

In addition to yield, agronomic characteristics and pest resistance are listed. For instance, varieties are listed regarding type (variety, blend, or hybrid), head type (bearded, not bearded), and scored for maturity, winter hardiness, plant height, standability, and resistance to various diseases (leaf rust and Septoria) and to the Hessian fly. Soil type and cultural practices, such as seeding date and rate, nitrogen fertilizer, etc., used at each of the Agronomy Research Centers are shown.

Wheat Performance in Illinois Trials-2005 is the name of a publication available soon at Extension offices that contains the information mentioned above. This publication is also available at the previously mentioned web site.

The web site also provides Fusarium head scab evaluation ratings for the varieties in the wheat trials.

To have the most current, research-based variety information available, wheat producers are encouraged to consult these references.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
August 5, 2005