Influence of sowing date on phenology, grain yield and quality of wheat – Edgeroi, 2017

Abstract

Key findings • High grain yields can be achieved from a range of variety × sowing date (SD) combinations. This enables growers to exploit differences in wheat phenology types for various SDs. • Optimum yields were achieved by targeting flowering in the early part of the optimal window (defined by the risk of frost and heat and moisture stress). • Yield response curves showed that slow developing, spring types (e.g. Sunmax[PBR] and DS Pascal[PBR]) achieved optimal yields when sown early. In contrast, very fast spring varieties (e.g. LongReach Mustang[PBR]) suffered significant yield penalties of up to 49% from SD1 due to frost damage, performing better with a delayed sowing date. • Delayed sowings of later maturing varieties (e.g. EGA Eaglehawk[PBR] and Sunmax[PBR]), increased the potential for down graded grain quality due to increased screenings (>5%) associated with heat and moisture stress at flowering. • Improved understanding of phenology responses of different varieties to various SDs will help to optimise yield potential and assist with variety selection and uptake.