Evaluation of Seed Coating Treatments in Soft White Winter Wheat.

The seed of soft white winter wheat of two varieties most widely planted in Southern Idaho - Brundage and Stephens – were treated with one of the following treatments: 1) SFP Tuxedo, 60 ml (2 oz)/100 lb seed; 2) SFP Surgent, 120 ml/100 lb seed, or 3) VLSci Take-Off, 10 ml/100 lb seed, utilizing a plastic or plastic lined mixer. In the fall of 2014 and 2015, wheat was planted into 10x40 research plots at University of Idaho Parma Research & Extension Center. A randomized complete block design with 4 replications was used. The seed treatments were applied by on top of traditional commercial seed treatments already in place. Preferred fungicide and insecticide seed treatments were used throughout the season. A composite soil sample collected before planting was analyzed for all major macro and micronutrients. Wheat canopy reflectance (an indirect plant stand/vigor indicator) was assessed by collecting NDVI measurements at Feekes 2-3 and Feekes 5-6 utilizing a GreenSeeker 505 handheld optical sensor. Also, at Feekes 4-5, by-plot samples of above-ground wheat biomass were collected and analyzed for total nitrogen content. At maturity, the plots were harvested with a 5-foot plot combine to determine by-plot grain yield. Subsamples were collected to determine grain test weight and sent to be analyzed for nitrogen/protein content. At harvest time, a composite soil sample was collected to be analyzed for all major macro and micronutrients. The effect of seed treatments on winter wheat grain yield and quality was assessed. Also, a potential varietal differences in wheat response to seed treatments was evaluated. Grower recommendations in regards to potential benefits of using seed treatments for improving wheat grain yield and quality will be developed.