Seeding Rate Effects On Spring Wheat Yields in Southeast Idaho.

ABSTRACT

 

If the question was asked to different growers in Southeastern Idaho, “what spring wheat planting rate should I use?” the results would vary from 18 k to 60 k.  Planting rates of spring wheat will affect the yield and will vary between different varieties planted in the same conditions.

The study was completed in order to determine what planting rates would produce optimum yield both in treated seed and non-treated seed.

Three different varieties of Hard White Spring, Hard Red Spring, and Soft White Spring were grown in 1.5 x 5.5 m plots. Plot design was a randomized complete block design with six replications. Seed treatment is a chemical coating that helps prevent fungal disease to enter the seed/plant.  Each variety were planted with the following five different seeding rates (5,000,000; 4,300,000; 3,700,000; 3,100,000; and 2,500,000 seeds/ha)

In past years, similar experiments done by University of Idaho have been conducted to determine what seeding rates should be recommended in semiarid regions such as Southeastern Idaho. Because wheat seeds change from year to year in size and weight calibration should be done every year and with every variety.

Planting rates should be based on how many seeds are planted per acre. Because of plant competition, planting rates should allow for a sufficient amount of tillers in order to produce a higher yield.  These results are very valuable to growers because optimum yield for the cheapest price is what every grower desires.