2001 North Dakota Small Grain Variety Trials Results

Small grain varieties are tested each year at North Dakota State University Research and Extension Centers.  Results of these trials are summarized in the following tables.  Wheat agronomic and quality ratings are presented in Tables 1 and 2, yield, protein and test weight data are presented in Tables 3 and 4. Durum agronomic and quality ratings are presented in Table 5a, 5b and 5c, yield, protein and test weight are presented in Tables 6 and 7.  Barley agronomic ratings are presented in Table 8 and yield, protein, test weight and plump data are presented in Tables 9a and 9b.

The 2001 growing season was characterized by unfavorable conditions at several research locations.  Trial data at Hettinger was lost due to severe hail in early July. Trial data was also lost due to severe lodging in Langdon, Fargo, and Prosper.  Use of data from trials at these locations would increase the incidence of making errors when selecting a variety.  Data from 2000 was reported for those sites where 2001 data was not reported.

Successful wheat, durum and barley production depends on multiple factors including selecting the right variety for a particular area. The information included in this publication is meant to aid in selecting that variety or group of varieties. The data is only meant to make relative comparisons of performance among varieties.

Characteristics to evaluate in selecting a variety are: yield potential in your area; protein content when grown with proper fertility;  straw strength and plant height; reaction to important diseases; and maturity.

When selecting a top yielding variety it is best to use data that summarizes several years and locations. The notion that the single data set nearest your farm will indicate which variety will perform the best for you is incorrect. Choose the variety that on average performs the best at multiple locations near you over several years.

Variety selection not only impacts production, but in the long term can impact markets.  The collective variety choices of producers have as great an impact on quality conscience markets, particularly international markets, as any other single factor.  Selecting varieties with good processing quality is essential to maintain market recognition.

Performance information coordinated by Michael Peel.