By Laura Lindsey
Wheat Performance Test
The purpose of the Ohio Wheat Performance Test is to evaluate wheat varieties, blends, brands, and breeding lines for yield, grain quality, and other important performance characteristics. This information gives wheat producers comparative information for selecting the varieties best suited for their production system and market. Varieties differ in yield potential, winter hardiness, maturity, standability, disease and insect resistance, and other agronomic characteristics. Selection should be based on performance from multiple test sites and years.
In fall 2017, wheat was planted at three out of five locations within two weeks of the fly-free date. Due to poor soil conditions, wheat was planted in Marion and Darke County 21 and 19 days after the fly-free date, respectively. Wheat entered dormancy in good to excellent condition. Early season wheat growth and development were slower than the previous two years due to cool temperatures in March and April. However, harvest conditions were favorable and earlier than normal. Overall, grain test weight averaged 55.5 lb/bu. Grain yield averaged between 80.0 and 94.5 bu/acre at the five locations.