Evaluation of early-sown winter wheats: phenology and yield responses – Wagga Wagga 2022

Abstract

Key findings •There was significant variation in phasic duration and grain yield responses to sowing date (SD) for the winter types in 2022. •We observed 91 days difference in commencement of stem elongation (GS30) for SD1 (18 March) and 39 days difference for SD2 (25 April) amongst the winter wheat varieties. This resulted in a 28 day and 38 day difference in time to flowering (GS65) respectively, indicating differences in vernalisation responses and flowering stability among current commercial winter types. •Despite some winter types (e.g. LongReach Kittyhawk[PBR], DS Bennett[PBR] and Manning[PBR]) reaching stem elongation earlier in SD1, they flowered within their expected flowering windows in 2022. •Seasonal conditions had a significant effect on grain yield recorded in 2022, with 20–25% higher yields recorded for SD2 in both wheat and barley varieties, afforded by optimal conditions coinciding with later flowering in 2022 as well as an extended grain-filling period. •Test weights (TWT) were significantly lower for all milling quality wheats for SD1 compared with SD2. Many varieties had TWT <76 kg/hL for SD1, which would have resulted in grain quality downgrades. •In 2022, winter barley cv. Urambie[PBR] flowered earlier than all wheat varieties and had a significant grain yield penalty. In contrast, slower-developing barley cv. Newton flowered later and recorded comparable grain yields to wheat at similar flowering dates.