[Image: wheat]Interest in wheat production varies each year depending on market price and weather conditions.
Wheat performance information from south Louisiana and north Louisiana for two years (2008 and 2009) and for 2009 can be found in the tables listed at the Web sites below. This information can be used by growers to help them choose which wheat varieties to plant this fall. Additional wheat performance information for single locations and years within Louisiana can be found by clicking here.
In August, the Wheat Research Summary publication will be placed on the LSU AgCenter Web site.
To spread out their risks, growers should look at the two-year data tables below and select several different wheat varieties to plant this fall. Keep in mind that weather patterns were unusual during the 2009 season -- such that yield and variety choices based on data solely from the past season may not be the best predictor of yield potential for 2010. It is a good idea to plant more than one variety to guard against weather, disease or insects that may unexpectedly affect a given variety. Growers should also pay attention to factors other than yield that can influence profitability:
- Disease Resistance – a single $20 fungicide application is equal to about four bushels in yield. Resistance to diseases is an important consideration.
- Insect Resistance – Hessian fly has been a problem in certain areas the past two years and is a concern for this year. Variety trials under Hessian fly pressure were conducted at Maringouin and Winnsboro in 2009.
- Test Weight – a low test weight can result in dockage at the elevator.
- Lodging Resistance – lodging increases harvest costs and decreases yield and test weight.
- Heading Date – very early heading varieties are more prone to spring freeze damage and should be planted later, particularly in south Louisiana.
Recommended planting dates are from November 1 to November 30 in central and south Louisiana. Planting wheat earlier than the recommended planting dates will subject the plants to greater insect and disease pressure and also makes the plants more prone to winter injury. Wheat can be planted later (two weeks past the recommended window), but this increases the probability of stand loss and reduced tillering due to wet weather and shortened growing season. Seeding rates should be increased when planting late and into cold wet soil.
Planting wheat with a grain drill is the preferred method because it allows uniform depth of planting and results in a more uniform stand. A seeding rate of 60 to 75 pounds per acre of high quality seed planted into a good seedbed with adequate moisture is satisfactory for drilling. Adjust the seeding rate up from 75 to 120 pounds per acre for broadcast planting, late planting, or planting into a poorly prepared seedbed.
Fall fertilization and liming should be carried out to supply any needs indicated by soil testing. Phosphorus and potassium, where recommended, should be incorporated into the seedbed before planting. If lime is recommended, apply before seedbed preparation, if possible. Fall application of nitrogen is usually not needed where wheat follows soybeans. Where wheat follows corn, sorghum or rice, application of 15 to 20 pounds of nitrogen per acre may be beneficial.