Michigan State Wheat Variety Trial Results Are In
8/14/06
Contact: Laura Probyn
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The 2006 Michigan State Wheat Variety Trial results are now available to help growers decide which wheat varieties are best suited for their farms.
Wheat plots were planted at eight sites in six counties -- Huron, Lenawee, Saginaw, Sanilac, Midland and Ingham. These plots were monitored throughout the growing season, and data were collected on the yield, disease resistance, test weight, grain moisture, lodging and milling properties of each variety at harvest.
A plot on the MSU campus was used as a fusarium head blight (also called wheat scab) screening trial. This plot is inoculated with scab and mist irrigated to promote the growth of fusarium. Data on the percent incidence and percent severity are published.
“The purpose of the trial is to provide Michigan wheat producers and millers with unbiased information on the performance and properties of wheat varieties available in Michigan,” says Mike Staton, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension educator. “Wheat producers can use this information to select varieties that are likely to perform well on their farms and meet the needs of the milling industry.”
The information is summarized in tables so growers can easily compare varieties.
“The information provided by this research is essential to maintaining a strong and vital wheat industry in Michigan,” Staton says.
The report is available from any county MSU Extension office and can be found online, along with previous years’ results, at www.css.msu.edu/varietytrials/wheat/Variety_Results.html.
Some of the funding for the wheat trials was provided by Project GREEEN (Generating
Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental Needs), Michigan’s plant
agriculture initiative at MSU.
Project GREEEN is a cooperative effort between plant-based commodities and businesses together with the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU Extension and the Michigan Department of Agriculture to advance Michigan’s economy through its plant-based agriculture. Its mission is to develop research and educational programs in response to industry needs, ensure and
improve food safety, and protect and preserve the quality of the environment.
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