Mississippi Wheat and Oat Variety Trials - 2021 - Methods and Producer Factors

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Theodora

Mississippi Wheat and Oat Variety Trials, 2021 documents field testing of wheat and oat varieties across multiple Mississippi locations, detailing randomized complete block experimental design and standardized plot layout. The procedures cover liming, fertilization based on soil tests, weed control, seed source categories, planting rate, harvesting and yield conversion to bushels per acre, and key measurements including heading date, plant height, lodging, seed test weight, and disease ratings for leaf rust and foliar blights. Guidance for producers includes land selection, seeding methods, seeding rates, cold requirements (vernalization), and planting date impacts on establishment, stress, pests, and disease.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

INTRODUCTION

PROCEDURES

Experimental Design

Cultural Practices

Seed Source

Planting Rate

Yield

Heading Date

Plant Height

Lodging

Seed Test Weight

Disease Ratings

IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR PRODUCERS

Land Selection

Seeding Methods

Seeding Rates

Cold Requirements

Planting Dates

Mississippi Wheat and Oat Variety Trials, 2021 | INTRODUCTION | | --- | | | | Small grains are grown throughout Mississippi. Wheat is the primary crop, followed by oats. Wheat variety trials were conducted at nine locations, while oat trials were conducted at five locations in Mississippi in 2020–2120. Wheat yields typically range from 40–60 bushels per acre and often produce 60–80 bushels per acre under good management and favorable weather conditions. Oat yields from 50–80 bushels per acre are common. | PROCEDURES Experimental Design. Experimental design for each crop species at each location was a randomized complete block with four replications. Plots consisted of seven 15-foot rows spaced 7.5 inches apart. Cultural Practices. Plots were limed and fertilized according to soil test recommendations. Foliar fungicides were not applied to most trial locations to insure that genetic performance of the varieties was evaluated under natural environmental conditions. Herbicides were applied as needed at each location for weed control. Seed Source. Seeds of all private entries were supplied by participating companies. Seeds of all public varieties were breeder or foundation seed from the state that developed the variety. Planting Rate. All seeds were packaged for planting at the rate of 20 seeds per foot of row for both crops. Plots were planted with a cone, spinner-divider planter. Yield. A plot combine was used to harvest the total plot area after the plots were trimmed to a standard length. Harvested seed were converted to bushels per acre (60 pounds per bushel for wheat and 32 pounds per bushel for oats). Heading Date. At most locations, the heading date for each variety was recorded. This is the date when 50% of the heads were extended above the flag leaf. Plant Height. The height of plants was measured from the soil to the top of the spike or head. Lodging. Lodging was rated on a 1–5 scale: 1 = almost all plants erect; 2 = all plants leaning slightly or only a few plants down; 3 = all plants leaning moderately or 25–50% of plants down; 4 = all plants leaning considerably or 50–80% of plants down; and 5 = all plants down. Seed Test Weight. The test weight for each variety was determined from a composite sample from all replications. Disease Ratings. All varieties were rated for development of leaf rust and Septoria leaf and Stagonospora glume blotch according to James’ Manual of Assessment Keys for Plant Diseases. At growth stages 10.5 (spikes emerged) and 11.1 (milky ripe), 10 plants were selected at random from each plot. The percentage of leaf area affected by each disease on the flag leaf was recorded. From these data, an assessment was made of the overall disease response of each variety. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station 1 IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR PRODUCERS Land Selection. Waterlogged soils often limit wheat productivity. Poorly drained, heavy soils of the Delta and bottomland areas ofeast Mississippi should be avoided. Seeding Methods. Timely and proper seeding techniques insure rapid, successful establishment of small-grain seedlings. Planting into a moist weed-free seedbed with a grain drill is the preferred seeding method for small grains. Modern drills are capable of seeding in many unprepared (no tillage) as well as traditionally prepared seedbeds. The optimum seeding depth ranges from 1–1.5 inches, depending upon soil moisture status and soil type. Deep seeding is recommended when soil moisture is marginally dry, particularly on light, sandy soils. Producers who do not have grain drills may “rough in” small grains by broadcast sowing on recently tilled soil and covering the seed with a light tillage operation, such as a harrow, field cultivator, or shallow disking. Seeding rates should be increased approximately 25% when utilizing the “rough in” system to compensate for poorer establishment since seeding depth is random and no firming over the seed occurs with t

FAQs

How were the wheat and oat trials designed at each location?

Each crop species at each location used a randomized complete block design with four replications. Plots used seven 15-foot rows spaced 7.5 inches apart.

How were disease ratings collected for each variety?

Leaf rust and Septoria leaf and Stagonospora glume blotch were rated using assessment keys at specific growth stages. Ten plants were selected from each plot, the affected leaf area on flag leaves was recorded, and overall disease response was summarized from these data.

What producer guidance is given for seeding methods and seed depth?

The preferred method is planting into a moist, weed-free seedbed with a grain drill. The optimum seeding depth is 1–1.5 inches, with deeper seeding advised when soil moisture is marginally dry, especially on light sandy soils.

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Theodora