Hard Red Winter Wheat

North Dakota
Hard Red Winter Wheat
Variety Trial Results for 2007 and Selection Guide

Compiled by Joel Ransom, Agronomist, NDSU Extension Service

For most of the state, the relatively mild winter (2006-07) was favorable for winter wheat survival, although the lack of snow cover resulted in the loss of stands at a few locations. Rainfall was favorable during most of the season, though excessive in early spring in southeastern North Dakota. Disease pressure was quite high due to the favorable moisture conditions. Leaf rust was particularly problematic if fungicides were not applied. 

The top performing varieties in the trial results reported here tended to be those with the best leaf rust resistance. Bacterial blight was also a problem  in many fields. This disease is not controlled by fungicide. Generally scab was not problematic due to the high temperatures during flowering this year.

Characteristics of hard red winter wheat varieties adapted for production in North Dakota are described in Table 1. Information on the agronomic performance of selected varieties is summarized in subsequent tables. Successful winter wheat production depends on numerous production practices, including selecting the right variety for a particular area. The information included in this publication is meant to help growers choose that variety or group of varieties. Characteristics to evaluate in selecting a variety are winter hardiness, yield potential in your area, test weight, protein content when grown with proper fertility, straw strength, plant height, reaction to important diseases and maturity.

The recommended seeding dates for winter wheat are Sept. 10-30 south of North Dakota Highway 200 and Sept. 1-15 in northern regions. Planting after the recommended dates reduces winter survival and grain yield. Planting prior to the recommended date may deplete soil moisture reserves unnecessarily. It also increases risk of wheat streak mosaic virus and may reduce winter survival. Winter wheat should be seeded at a rate of 1 million viable seeds per acre, or about 80 pounds per acre. Use higher seeding rates for late seeding or poor seedbed conditions. Producers should consider only the most winter-hardy varieties available when growing winter wheat in North Dakota. Among the current varieties, Ransom, CDC Buteo, CDC Falcon and Jerry possess the best combination of winter hardiness and yield. Winter survival data for winter wheat varieties during the 2003-04 season can be viewed at www.ag.ndsu.edu/smgrains/WWsurvial.htm.

Phosphorus aids overwinter survival by stimulating root growth and fall tillering. The secondary root system that develops during tillering is essential for a healthy, deep-rooted plant capable of withstanding stress. If winter wheat is planted on bare soil, an application of phosphorus is essential. While important, the contribution of phosphorus to overwinter survival is secondary to varietal hardiness. For more production information, see NDSU Extension Service publication EB-33, �Winter Wheat Production in North Dakota�
( www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/smgrains/eb33w.htm ).

Use data from several years and locations when selecting varieties. The notion that the single data set nearest your farm will indicate which variety will perform the best for you next year is incorrect. You should select varieties that, on average, perform the best at multiple locations near your farm across several years.

For more information on this and other topics, see: www.ag.ndsu.edu

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