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- 2015 Small Grain Performance Trials
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LAES Research Summary #206
Small grain variety trials are conducted annually by scientists of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Agricultural Experiment Station (LSUAC) to evaluate grain yield, agronomic performance, and disease reaction of varieties and advanced lines. The trials are conducted at seven LSUAC research stations representative of the major soil and climate regions of the state. Entries are included in the trials based upon previous performance or at the request of the originating agency. Inclusion of an entry in the trials does not constitute an endorsement. The 2015 statewide wheat performance trials included 78 varieties (bold font) and experimental lines (normal font).
New entries in the statewide trials are tested at all locations, but may be dropped from a region the following year if they show little potential, usually late-heading lies in south Louisiana. South Louisiana consists of the Baton Rouge, Crowley, and Jeanerette locations; whereas North Louisiana consists of locations at Alexandria, Bossier City, St. Joseph, and Winnsboro. Wheat yield data were not reported at Baton Rouge due to severe storms with high winds prior to harvest.
When choosing varieties, growers should consult their local extension agents and choose varieties based on two year data within a region, not based on a single year or location. Growers should also consider specific data from the LSUAC variety trial location that most closely matches the weather and soil conditions of their farm and should avoid growing a single variety on a large acreage. Growing several varieties helps hedge against losing the entire crop to chance occurrences in weather or shifts in pathogen or pest races or virulence patterns. Yield, test weight, maturity, and disease resistance are important traits to consider when selecting varieties. If a grower plans to plant wheat early, he should avoid varieties that have a very early heading date in order to reduce the danger of freeze damage.
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