Influence of sowing date on wheat phenology and grain yield – Cudal 2020

Abstract

Key findings •The 2020 mild spring temperatures and above average seasonal rainfall provided optimal conditions for crop growth and development, resulting in very high grain yields: >9 t/ha. •Current genotypes were not broadly adapted across all sowing dates from mid April to early June. The highest grain yields were achieved when phenology was matched to sowing date (SD), to ensure flowering was achieved within the optimal period. In 2020, there was a significant yield penalty in quick developing spring types sown early, which were affected by frost. • In 2020, the highest yields were achieved by slower developing winter and spring types.