Performance of Small Grain Varieties in Kentucky

Small grain production is an important component of Kentucky’s agricultural economy. New wheat, barley, cereal rye, triticale and oat varieties are continually being developed by breeders/seed companies. In order to maximize the profitability of small grain production, unbiased annual evaluation of varieties is needed to help farmers select varieties with superior agronomic performance. Grain yield and test weight, as well as straw and forage yield are directly related to crop income, but varietal traits, such as plant height, lodging potential, maturity, winter cover crop biomass and disease resistance are also important management-related components of profitability and sustainability. The UK Small Grain Variety Testing Program annually evaluates the agronomic performance, general adaptability and disease reaction of small grain varieties grown in Kentucky. Support of the UK Small Grain Variety Testing program is essential for the programs long term sustainability, ability to function and release a quality product annually to growers in a timely manner. Objectives: 1. To determine the agronomic performance, general adaptability, and disease reaction of wheat and other small grain varieties in Kentucky. 2. To distribute results to growers, extension agents, & agri-industry (online and printed format). Benefit to Kentucky Wheat Growers Many University of Kentucky agriculture research projects/programs benefit Kentucky’s growers. The UK Small Grain Variety Testing Program is unique in that it exists almost exclusively for Kentucky’s small grain growers and its goal is to maximize farm profitability by means of proper variety selection. Variety selection is recognized as the simplest and most cost effective way to maximize productivity and profitability. Variety trials inherently foster sustainability. Identification of varietal characteristics, such as cover crop potential, disease reaction and yield potential help growers minimize erosion, potentially reduce fungicide use, and maximize yield potential with genetics rather than extra inputs. Research Methods: Wheat variety tests will be conducted at 7 locations across the wheat production regions of Kentucky. Spelt, barley, triticale, cereal rye and oat tests will be conducted at one location. Wheat varieties will also be tested for winter cover crop canopy coverage, and forage and straw yield potential at one location. The experimental design will be a randomized complete block with four reps per entry. Data will be analyzed for each test using analysis of variance and a combined analysis will be conducted across locations and years. Tests will be managed using intensive management practices. Data will be collected for grain yield and test weight, straw & forage yield, plant height, winter survival, lodging, heading date, and disease reaction. Results will be published in an official UK bulletin and posted online. Printed copies will be distributed to all county extension offices. Budget Narrative: $15,094.00 is requested to help cover personnel [salary and fringe of $594]. Travel costs ($5,500) [lodging, subsistence, vehicle rental, fuel, meeting registration, and parking]. Material and supplies ($6,000) is needed to cover research test management costs [land use fees, Agrobase software license fee, fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, tools, machinery parts, field marking, seed packaging, etc.] $3,000 is requested for All Other Direct Costs – this is for combine service by a Wintersteiger service mechanic. This is the only project that the combine will be used for during the dates of this project and it is essential to the project – funds are needed for repairing/replacing any parts as needed.