Effect of sowing date on grain yield, water-use efficiency and grain quality of wheat – Canowindra 2015

Abstract

Key findings »» The variety Beckom sown on 5 May yielded highest (5.67 t/ha). »» Grain yield reductions up to 4 t/ha occurred when varieties were not sown at the correct time (due to flowering throughout August–September frost events). »» Greatest yield losses occurred when quick maturing varieties were sown early rather than longer season varieties sown late. »»Winter wheats and very long spring wheats performed better in 2015 than 2014, presumably due to less early aphid pressure (BYDV) in 2015. »» Grain yield was maximised when winter wheats were sown early (mid- April) or mid to mid–fast varieties were sown in the first week of May. If spring conditions had been favourable, the winter wheats may have outperformed the mid to mid–fast varieties when sown in late May. »» Screenings increased as sowing was delayed.