2020 Data shows interesting results
The OCCC Performance trials where just released, and there is so much good information to take in once again this year. C&M Seeds operates 2 of the 12 sites for the OCCC sites, but the entire committee works hard at providing a reliable data set. Across all locations, lodging conditions seemed to be similar to what growers experienced in most commercial fields in that area. Lodging was a concern in some areas, while not in others, and heavy leaf disease pressure in some areas and not others.
Before analyzing the trials on your own keep a few things in mind
- There is a conventional trial (no fungicide applied) and an intensive trial (typically a T1 and T3 fungicide). The conventional trial will help determine natural disease tolerance, while the intensive trial will be closer to a “real field” scenario. Nitrogen applications are the same – fungicide application is the only difference between the two.
- There is a Mean bu/acre at the bottom of the trials. The mean is equal to 100 yield index. If you have a variety that is 110 yield index, take the mean bu/acre and multiply it by the percentage (eg. 110 yield index on 85 bu/acre mean = 1.10 x 85 = 93.5 bu/acre)
- Each column carries its own Mean bu/acre, so you need to be aware of what the Mean is for each column.
A few things we noticed right away.
- Fungicides created more yield opportunity this year, than others. (Table 1a – yes vs no columns)
- Some varieties are proving year after year that they respond more to “Intensive Management”.
- Yields were very strong this season in almost all locations.
- Rankings remain similar from year to year with most varieties, with slight amounts of variation
Area 1 Results – Southern Ontario
Conventional Trials – No fungicides applied, normal N application (goal of around 120 actual N)
From the conventional trials we see that C&M performed very well, with Hilliard ranking #1 for yield, and Blaze ranking #6. Strong performances from two of the newer varieties in the marketplace.
Intensive Trials – 2 fungicides applied (T1, T3) and same N rate as Conventional trial
The Intensive trials showed us similar rankings for 1 year – with Hilliard ranking #1 and Blaze ranking #5. The biggest change noticed was the multiyear data. Blaze swapped positions with Hilliard over 2 years and takes over the #1 yield ranking position in the entire trial. It is clear that both Hilliard and Blaze enjoy intensive management in Southern Ontario and are good choices there. The intensive trials carried a 5-10 bu/acre advantage in 2021. This easily pays for your fungicide application and helps to “secure” strong yield opportunities.
All Trial Information, including the varietal characteristics are available by clicking the link below:
https://www.gocereals.ca/performance.php
Area 2 Results – Midwestern Ontario & Central
Conventional Trials – No fungicides applied, normal N application (goal of around 120 actual N)
From the conventional trials we see that C&M performed very well, with Hilliard ranking #1 for yield, and Blaze ranking #6. Strong performances from two of the newer varieties in the marketplace.
Intensive Trials – 2 fungicides applied (T1, T3) and same N rate as Conventional trial
The Intensive trials showed us very different results. The variety yield rankings changed quite a bit. Blaze was ranked #1, followed closely by Hilliard at the #3 ranking. The yield increase was huge with the heading fungicide applied. It ranged anywhere from 18-30 bu/acre depending on the variety, with Blaze having the highest yield gain with a fungicide applied. The rankings were almost identical whether comparing 1 year or 2 years of data. All Trial Information, including the varietal characteristics are available by clicking the link below:
https://www.gocereals.ca/performance.php
Final Thoughts
The trials are not just about yield. You should also always consider the standability and fusarium tolerance of varieties when making a selection. Standability in 2021 could have been the primary factor in determining the quality of the grain you delivered to the elevator. Lodged grain proved to have more sprouting and lower falling numbers.
Fungicide applications continue to pay for themselves in winter wheat. They prove to protect from fusarium, but equally as important, protect from leaf diseases like Stripe Rust, Powdery Mildew and Septoria very well. There is definitely a “stay green” effect noticed in our trials, but the yield comparisons proved to be more than worth the delay.
Hilliard and Blaze are both proving to be strong yielders in the Soft Red category and secure top yield rankings year after year.
Hard Red Winter Wheats are proving to yield right with the top soft red varieties. Adrianus ranked #2 right behind Hilliard in Southern Ontario for the top yields in the area. If you can secure a premium for growing hard red, it makes “more than good cents”.