Easton Wheat

The Newest HRS Wheat

When talking to growers, I am often asked for my opinion on various topics -agronomics, trends and technologies, and of course, what’s new in wheat varieties.

Well, the newest hard red spring wheat from C&M Seeds is now available for production in spring 2017.  Easton will suit spring wheat growers in both Southwestern Ontario and Eastern Ontario.

It has been performing well on all soil types and provides growers with a great advancement in fusarium protection along with excellent yield opportunity.  It is a short- to medium-height variety that stands very well.  Most of its yield opportunity comes from its excellent tillering in the spring; Easton tillers stronger than any variety I have seen so far.

Growers should keep in mind that nitrogen applied early goes into tillering and later applications typically help with head development and protein development.  Since Easton tillers so well, it is imperative that growers split their nitrogen applications to ensure that not all of their nitrogen goes towards the tillering process, leaving little or nothing to build protein.  The best application stages are likely before planting and then at Growth Stage 32 (stem elongation).

In Eastern Ontario, Easton was the one-year leader with a 107 yield index and holds a 108 yield index over four years!  In Southwestern Ontario, trials rated Easton at a 106 yield index in 2016 and a 110 yield index over four years.

In terms of comparing Easton against other established spring varieties, it appears to be ranked with Wilkin as the yield leaders in Ontario, with benefits going to Easton for fusarium tolerance.  Easton is also an awned variety so it looks completely different than Wilkin in the field.  Sable and Easton also appear different in fields as Sable has red awns while Easton is a traditional yellow awned variety.  If fusarium has been an issue for you, I would encourage you to try some Easton this spring.

Wilkin remains the #1 choice for spring wheat in Ontario because of its excellent yield potential; many growers have harvested more than 90 bu/acre.  But try Easton for yourself: see how it performs on some of the acres on your farm.

For any further questions about the variety, call a C&M Seeds agronomist today.

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