Sowing time response of 21 wheat varieties – Trangie 2014

Abstract

Key findings • Sowing time had a large influence on yield. The average yield of the 21 wheat varieties was 4.29 t/ha when sown on 15 April; 4.06 t/ha when sown on 29 April and 3.27 t/ha when sown on 14 May in 2014. • The longer season variety EGA Eaglehawk [PBR] averaged the highest yield across the three sowing times largely due to its exceptional yield of 5.71 t/ha in TOS 1. • The longer season varieties Sunzell [PBR], EGA Eaglehawk [PBR] and EGA Wedgetail [PBR] all delayed flowering until early September with the earliest time of sowing (15 April) avoiding the worst frost risk window. • However, EGA Gregory [PBR] and LRPB Lancer [PBR] flowered around 20 days earlier than these varieties when sown on 15 April. • Suntop [PBR] was around 20 days earlier to flower than EGA Gregory [PBR] with 15 April sowing but both varieties had equivalent flowering times with the later two sowing times. • True longer season varieties such as Sunzell [PBR], EGA Eaglehawk [PBR] or EGA Wedgetail [PBR] should be considered if early sowing opportunities arise to minimise frost risk but quicker maturing varieties are preferred with later sowing times in May to maximise yield.