Manhattan, Kansas
August 8, 2007
Many wheat producers in central
and eastern Kansas are facing a dilemma this summer: Is it
better to buy low-test-weight certified seed of a variety well
adapted to their area, or high-test-weight certified seed of a
variety that is not well adapted to their area?
The first criterion producers in central and eastern Kansas
should consider is whether the variety they buy is resistant to
soil-borne mosaic, said Jim Shroyer, agronomy state leader for
Kansas State University
Research and Extension.
"Many of the varieties grown widely in western Kansas do not
have soil-borne mosaic resistance. Producers in central and
eastern Kansas would be putting their wheat crop at risk of
getting soil-borne mosaic by planting these varieties," he
explained.
But some varieties grown in western Kansas are resistant to
soil- borne mosaic, he added.
"The problem is, some of these varieties are quite susceptible
to leaf rust and powdery mildew, and have not performed
especially well in central and eastern Kansas in recent years,"
Shroyer said. "Newer varieties have performed well in central
and eastern Kansas, and have better leaf disease resistance. But
most of these varieties are not grown on many acres in western
Kansas yet, and there wonīt be a good supply of high quality
certified seed of those varieties available this fall."
Variety selection isnīt the only consideration. Seed quality
also has to be considered, the agronomist said. "It has been
documented that wheat with a test weight below 54 to 56 pounds
per acre may have lower yield potential, and less seedling
vigor, than higher-test- weight seed. It is understandable that
producers would want to plant seed with a test weight of 58
pounds or higher if possible," he said.
If producers in central and eastern Kansas are faced with a
decision of whether to buy low-test-weight seed of a variety
with soil-borne mosaic resistance or high-test-weight seed of a
variety susceptible to soil-borne mosaic, the best choice would
be to buy seed of the variety with soil-borne mosaic resistance,
Shroyer said.
"It is critical to select a variety adapted to the area where it
will be planted," he said. "That is by far the most important
criterion.
As long as a variety is adapted to the area, then seed quality
is the next most important criterion."
K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas
State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative
Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute
useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by
county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county
Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and
regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the
K-State campus, Manhattan. |
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