Accurately predicting flowering times of wheat varieties can be difficult and determining sowing sequences to maximise yield and minimise frost can heighten that frustration.

Fortunately for growers, a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) supported initiative has updated the 'Flowering Calculator' so that they can better predict flowering and sow at optimal times.

Department of Agriculture research, led by Brenda Shackley, has made predictions at key locations for more than 16 wheat varieties.

Yield potential can be maximised by the 'Flowering Calculator', a program developed by David Tennant using average daily temperature and day length.

For the mid-May sowings the model predicted flowering dates closely corresponding to the actual flowering dates, whereas early-May predictions tended to underestimate flowering time.

Choice of sowing date and variety is the key to maximising yield potential and early sowing should mean better water use efficiencies and higher yields.

The strategy's success hinges on matching variety to sowing time and the likelihood of frost damage after flowering, while avoiding high temperatures and terminal drought during grain fill.

Outcomes for a range of varieties can be assessed relative to user-defined flowering windows and end of season dates, for any date of sowing.

The Crop Doctor is GRDC Managing Director, Peter Reading