Browsing by Author "Sharp, Gail L."

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2001 Canola Variety and Hybrid Performance Evaluations
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2001) Wichman, David M.; Sharp, Gail L.
This report evaluates the relative yield performance of spring canola varieties adapted to the northern plains and intermountain regions. Emergence was slow and very erratic due to dry weather conditions that persisted till early June at both locations. The Moore site was very slow to emerge with much of the emergence occurring in early June. Tyler seeded with a hoe drill and more uniform and much earlier emergence. The delayed emergence contributed to low yield levels at both locations. Extremely high levels of evaporative demand in July were also detrimental to the canola trial yields (See Tables sc35 and sc36). The Moccasin trials were further impacted by ground sparrows and Cashin finch feeding on the seed pods prior and during ripening. Intermountain 223 RR and 357 RR lines were top performers in both trials. These lines have been good performers other years as well. Late seeding and unusually dry weather with high evaporative demand resulted below average canola yields. The variation within the study due to factors other than the characteristics of the varieties themselves reduced the value of both variety evaluation nurseries.
2001 Cereal Forage Species, Variety and Seeding Rate Studies
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2001) Wichman, David M.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Sharp, Gail L.; Cash, S.D.; Johnson, D.; Hensleigh, Pat F.; Hybner, Roger M.; Carr, P.
This report determines the forage production potential of spring and winter cereal grain species and varieties under dryland conditions in central Montana. Determine the optimum spring cereal seeding rates for maximum forage production. Cereal forage yields were respectable considering the low precipitation levels received over the past year. Fall 2000 and early spring seeded crops on tilled soils experienced severe and multiple soil blasting and seedling burial. Therefore, the data presented here is not sufficient to make extensive inferences or comparisons amongst varieties or species.
2001 Montana Intra-State Alfalfa Variety Trials
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2001) Wichman, David M.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Cash, S.D.; Ditterline, R. L.; Sharp, Gail L.
This report identifies superior alfalfa varieties for dryland forage production in central Montana. Yield results for alfalfa variety nurseries seeded in the years 2001, 2000, 1998, and 1997 are presented in tables 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Drought conditions persisting since the spring of 1997 continue to depress alfalfa forage yields. Warm winter weather which allow perennials, such as alfalfa, to remain actively growing through the late fall, winter and or early spring cause the plants to deplete soil water reserves while producing little vegetation. Yield levels are one third to one fourth of the expected yields. No significant variations in disease infections or insect feedings have been observed. Little variation in plot/treatment ranking across years has been observed. This indicates the importance of getting a good stand to start with. Ladak 65 yield levels continue to be similar to those of more modern varieties which have greater disease resistance. However, recent years have been dry and unsuitable for outstanding yield levels. In better yield conditions, this researcher expects modern varieties to exhibit a higher yield level relative to Ladak 65.
2002 Montana Intra-State Alfalfa Variety Trials
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2002) Wichman, David M.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Cash, S.D.; Ditterline, R. L.; Sharp, Gail L.
This report identifies superior alfalfa varieties for dryland forage production in central Montana. Yield results for alfalfa variety nurseries seeded in the years 2002, 2001, 2000, 1998, and 1997 are presented in tables F 1 through F 5, respectively. Drought conditions persisting since the spring of 1997 continue to depress alfalfa forage yields. Warm winter weather, which allows perennials such as alfalfa to remain actively growing through the late fall, winter and or early spring, causes the plants to deplete soil water reserves while producing little vegetation. Yield levels have been one half to one third of the expected yields. No significant variations in disease infections or insect feedings have been observed. Little variation in plot/treatment ranking across years has been observed. This indicates the importance of getting a good stand initially. Ladak-65 yield levels continue to be similar to those of more modern varieties, which have greater disease resistance. However, recent years have been dry and unsuitable for outstanding yield levels. In better yield conditions, this researcher expects modern varieties to exhibit a higher yield level relative to Ladak-65. The alfalfa nurseries have a scheduled longevity of four years. This provides sufficient information on yield potential. However, the stand longevity factor is not determined. Statewide alfalfa variety trial information is available at: http://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/Forage/forage_pub.htm
Advanced Yield and Preliminary Spring Wheat Variety Performance Trials (2001)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2001) Lanning, Susan P.; Sharp, Gail L.; Talbert, Luther E.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wichman, David M.
This report evaluates agronomic performance of new experimental lines and existing hard red spring wheat varieties in Central Montana. The Advanced Yields ranged from 34.3 to 47.5 bu/a and averaged 40.5 bu/a. Due to low precipitation, grain yields were lower than average. Test weights averaged below normal at 58 lbs/bu and proteins averaged 17.3 percent. Preliminary Yields ranged from 29.8 to 44.6 bu/a with the average yield being 35.7 bu/a. Test weights averaged 57.4 lbs/bu and grain protein averaged 18.3 percent. Broken stems were noticed in the nurseries this year and were attributed to strawbreaker, a disease of wheat caused by the fungus Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides. Stem breakage in the Advanced Yield grain nursery was not significant and averaged less than 0.1 percent of the total plot. Stem breakage in the Preliminary Yield grain nursery ranged from 0 to 2 percent except for one experimental line where breakage was recorded at 14 percent of the total plot. High protein levels accompanied lower than average test weights in both nurseries indicative of the low level of moisture received this year.
Advanced Yield and Preliminary Spring Wheat Variety Performance Trials (2002)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2002) Lanning, Susan P.; Sharp, Gail L.; Talbert, Luther E.; Vavrovsky, Joe
This report evaluates agronomic performance of new experimental lines and existing hard red spring wheat varieties in Central Montana. The advanced and preliminary yield spring wheat nurseries were hailed on July 8, August 20, and August 22, 2002 resulting in a complete loss. Plant heights and heading dates were recorded before the trials were damaged. Heading information is presented as day of the year from January 1st.
Durum Variety Evaluation in Off-Station and Re-Crop Trials Near Moccasin, Denton, Fort Benton, and Winifred (2000)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2000) Lanning, Susan P.; Philips, Dave; Sharp, Gail L.; Talbert, Luther E.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wargo, Judee; Wichman, David M.
This report evaluates the performance of spring durum varieties in environments and cropping methods representative of the southern triangle and central Montana. Durum yields were below average at all locations except the Denton site where yields were equal to the 4-year average for that location. Test weights were below average at all sites this year with the average over all sites and all cultivars being 57.5 lbs/bu. The Uniform Statewide Durum trial planted at Moccasin consisted of 20 entries with McNeal planted as a hard red spring wheat check. The off-station trials planted at Denton, Fort Benton, and Winifred consisted of 10 entries plus McNeal as a check. Low rainfall at the Fort Benton site was very apparent in all parameters measured in the durum trials. No cultivar yielded as well as McNeal spring wheat when averaged across the four locations, however, several entries planted at Moccasin in the Statewide nursery yielded as well or higher than McNeal. Grain proteins for all cultivars were well above the 13.5% minimum standard acceptable to buyers.
Evaluation and Selection of Superior Winter Triticale Lines for Grain Production and Winter Hardiness (2002)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2002) Berg, Jim E.; Hensleigh, Pat F.; Hybner, Roger M.; Kephart, Ken D.; Kolding, Matt; Sharp, Gail L.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wichman, David M.
This report identifies and selects winter triticale lines that exhibit superior grain yield and winter hardiness in central Montana and throughout the state. In 2002, several winter triticale lines had grain yields (pounds/acre) greater than Tiber winter wheat at Moccasin, Bozeman, and Sheridan. However, the winter triticale yields were not overwhelmingly higher than Tiber yields, as has occurred some years. Several triticale lines have proven to have grain yield potentials greater than Tiber winter wheat. Unfortunately, we have not had winters suitable for the evaluation of winter hardiness. Some of these lines would be suitable for production in areas of Montana with marginal winter stress or for seeding into undisturbed stubble.
Evaluation of Experimental Winter Triticale Lines for Adaptation in Montana (2001)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2001) Berg, Jim E.; Hensleigh, Pat F.; Hybner, Roger M.; Kephart, Ken D.; Kolding, Matt; Sharp, Gail L.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wichman, David M.
This report documents the observations of winter triticale lines to determine if any perform well in Central Montana. Triticale plots were seeded on a west-facing slope to obtain maximum exposure to winter temperatures and wind. Plant densities and percent stand indicate no significant differences among the triticale lines in their ability to survive winter. Triticale lines did not differ significantly from Tiber winter wheat in winter hardiness or in grain yield. Grain yields averaged 2520 lbs/a and test weights were above average at 53.6 lbs/bu. Similar results were obtained in the Statewide Triticale Nursery planted in a more protected area on the research center. Triticale lines tested had a wide range of heading dates and test weight values. Early maturing lines with acceptable test weights and yields comparable to Tiber winter wheat can be selected for and continued in subsequent yield trials.
Evaluation of Spelt Lines for Adaptation as a Grain or Forage Crop in Central Montana (2001)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2001) Lafaver, H.; Sharp, Gail L.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wichman, David M.
This report identifies winter spelt varieties adapted to Montana environments for yield, winter hardiness, resistance to lodging, and for use as livestock or human food. Mid spring plant density and late spring canopy cover varied significantly between winter spelt varieties and lines in two nurseries seeded on till fallow. Blowing dust was a major factor in late March through early May. Plant mortality is attributed to a combination of winter tenderness which was accentuated by spring burial and cutting. It is readily apparent, in visual assessments, none of the spelt entries were as hardy as the Tiber winter wheat check or the winter triticale entries. Winter survival on tilled fallow is a weakness of all of the triticale lines evaluated in these two trials. Grain and forage yields are suitable relative to those of other cereals and annual forages.
Evaluation of Spring Barley Variety Performance in Trials Near Moccasin, Denton, and Fort Benton (2001)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2001) Blake, Tom; Hensleigh, Pat F.; Philips, Dave; Sharp, Gail L.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wargo, Judee; Wichman, David M.
To evaluate the performance of spring barley varieties in environments and cropping methods representative of the southern triangle and central Montana. Yields ranged from 47.3 to 59.7 bu/a at Moccasin and from 16.1 to 21.9 bu/a at Fort Benton. Yields at Fort Benton were well below average due to low rainfall. Dry spring conditions contributed to uneven germination at the Denton site and the nursery was abandoned. The yield of Xena was high at both locations harvested although differences in yield between varieties were not significant at either site. Stressful growing conditions contributed to the increased variability. The trial at Moccasin was planted re-crop after canola and the trial at Fort Benton followed winter wheat. Barley yields ranged from average to well below average depending on the location and the amount of rainfall received. Post harvest seed dormancy evaluations were conducted on barley seed harvested from the trials as a means of predicting weed potential from volunteer barley in cropping systems. Cultivars having the longest germination times are hypothesized to be problematic as this seed would remain dormant through the winter and germinate in early spring to present a weed problem. In September, seed from seven varieties and three locations was placed on wet blotter paper and incubated at 50° F. At three, four, five, and seven days, the percentage of germinated seed was recorded. Differences in germination between the three sites were generally insignificant.
Evaluation of Spring Barley Variety Performance in Trials Near Moccasin, Denton, and Fort Benton (Moore) (2002)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2002) Hensleigh, Pat F.; Mickelson, Suzanne; Sharp, Gail L.; Philips, Dave; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wargo, Judee; Wichman, David M.
This report evaluates the agronomic performance of spring barley varieties in recrop environments in the southern triangle and central Montana.Barley variety trials were established on recrop near Moccasin, Denton, and Moore. The Moore site was substituted for the Fort Benton site because of the severe drought conditions that were present at Fort Benton when the spring wheat was seeded there. Unfortunately, the Moore site experienced severe drought conditions throughout the spring and early summer. Harsh drought and grasshoppers severely diminished the quality of the Moore site. The Moccasin and Denton locations provided an indication of the potential of barley varieties under marginal plant available water.
Evaluation of Spring Durum Variety Performance in Trials Near Moccasin, Denton, Fort Benton, and Winifred (2001)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2001) Lanning, Susan P.; Philips, Dave; Sharp, Gail L.; Talbert, Luther E.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wargo, Judee; Wichman, David M.
This report evaluates the performance of spring durum varieties in environments and cropping methods representative of the southern triangle and central Montana. Grain yields ranged from 24.8 to 35.8 bu/a at the two Moccasin sites with McNeal being the top yielding variety. Yields at off-station nurseries were considerably lower. YU894-75, a variety from Western Plant Breeders, was the second highest yielding variety. McNeal was grown as a hard red spring wheat check and again out-yielded durum varieties. Mountrail was higher in yield than McNeal at the Denton and Winifred sites but McNeal topped the list when averaged across all locations and in long-term averages for any one location.
Evaluation of Spring Durum Variety Performance in Trials Near Moccasin, Denton, Fort Benton, and Winifred (2002)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2002) Lanning, Susan P.; Philips, Dave; Sharp, Gail L.; Talbert, Luther E.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wargo, Judee; Wichman, David M.
This report evaluates the performance of spring durum varieties in environments and cropping methods representative of the southern triangle and central Montana. The 2002 statewide durum trials seeded on fallow and no-till recrop at the CARC were hailed out about 4 days prior to full ripening. The off-station trials have been reduced to a select six entries. The small durum acreage in the area does not merit a larger effort in terms of constricted cereal crops research dollars. In central Montana, for most agronomic characters, durum varieties are generally inferior to McNeal spring wheat. This statement is based on other recent experience. McNeal was not included in the data presented here.
Evaluation of Spring Wheat Variety Performance in Trials Near Moccasin, Denton, Fort Benton, and Winifred (2001)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2001) Lanning, Susan P.; Philips, Dave; Sharp, Gail L.; Talbert, Luther E.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wargo, Judee; Wichman, David M.
This report evaluates the performance of spring wheat varieties in environments and cropping methods representative of the southern triangle and central Montana. Yields ranged from 6.1 to 36.5 bu/a with the highest yields at the Moccasin sites. Low moisture at the Fort Benton site contributed to lower than average yields. Reeder was one of the top yielding varieties averaging 28.6 bu/a across the five locations, however differences in yield among the varieties were significant only in the Winifred and Moccasin recrop nurseries. Low precipitation levels resulted in lower than average yields at all locations tested. This was most evident at the Fort Benton site where yields were approximately one third that of the long term averages. Yields at the Winifred site were also significantly less than long term averages for that area.
Evaluation of Spring Wheat Variety Performance Near Moccasin, Denton, Fort Benton, and Winifred (2002)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2002) Lanning, Susan P.; Philips, Dave; Sharp, Gail L.; Talbert, Luther E.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wargo, Judee; Wichman, David M.
This report evaluates the agronomic performance of spring wheat varieties in environments and cropping methods representative of the southern triangle and Central Montana. The Moccasin location was hailed out prior to harvest. Late spring moisture provided for fair spring wheat yield levels on the other two recrop sites. Though fallow for 1.5 years, the Winifred site had limited soil water available at seeding. Unusually cool conditions in April and May helped maximize the plant growth from what soil water was available. Again, high rainfall in June helped offset this limiting factor.
Evaluation of Winter Wheat Variety Performance in Off-Station Trials Near Moccasin, Denton, Fort Benton, Moore, and Winifred (2001)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2001) Berg, Jim E.; Bruckner, Phil L.; Philips, Dave; Sharp, Gail L.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wargo, Judee; Wichman, David M.
This report evaluates the performance of winter wheat varieties in environments and cropping methods representative of the southern triangle and central Montana. Moisture severely limited the plant growth and development of winter grains at the Fort Benton site. Low test weights from grain grown at the Fort Benton site were accompanied by high protein values. Grain shatter from hail damage at Denton reduced the yields collected from that site. Promontory, Erhardt, Rampart, and Norstar were among those most susceptible to grain shatter. Most resistant to shatter were Judith and Morgan. Sawfly damage was very evident in Fort Benton this year. Stems had been girdled at the soil level. Most susceptible to sawfly cutting were Elkhorn, Neeley, Judith, and Rampart. While all plots sustained some cutting, the cultivar with the least amount of sawfly damage was NuPlains. Since stem counts were conducted on only the first rep, results may be inconclusive.
Evaluation of Winter Wheat Variety Performance in Off-Station Trials Near Moccasin, Denton, Fort Benton, Moore, and Winifred (2002)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2002) Berg, Jim E.; Bruckner, Phil L.; Philips, Dave; Sharp, Gail L.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wargo, Judee; Wichman, David M.
This report evaluates agronomic performance of winter wheat varieties in environments and cropping methods representative of the southern triangle and Central Montana. Winter wheat trials on recrop were established at Moccasin, Denton, Fort Benton and Moore and on fallow at Moccasin and Winifred. Due to severe and variable soil burial in mid-April of 2002, the Winifred trial was abandoned. Three plots were harvested at this site to get an indication of yield potential. These plots produced over 40 bushels per acre, providing a positive mark for using no-till chemical fallow. 2002 winter wheat growing conditions were sufficiently varied to provide a good year for evaluating agronomic characters. Conditions were not so extreme as to diminish the value of the results. The main factor missing was winter stress. The good performance of several numbered lines indicate the potential for improved varieties in the near future.
Intrastate and Early Yield Barley Variety Performance Trials (2001)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2001) Blake, Tom; Hensleigh, Pat F.; Sharp, Gail L.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wichman, David M.
This report evaluates the agronomic performance of new experimental lines and existing barley varieties in Central Montana. Yields in the Intrastate Trial ranged from 48.2 to 82.3 bu/a with the average yield equal to 69.8 bu/a. Grain yields in the Early Yield Trial ranged from 47.6 to 79.8 bu/a with the average yield being 68.5 bu/a. Blowing sand cut leaves off of the emerging barley seedlings but May and June precipitation promoted vigorous growth. Good grain yields and high grain proteins were obtained but test weights and percentage of plump kernels were low.
Intrastate, Advanced Yield, and Preliminary Winter Wheat Variety Performance Trials (2001)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2001) Berg, Jim E.; Bruckner, Phil L.; Sharp, Gail L.; Vavrovsky, Joe; Wichman, David M.
This report evaluates agronomic performance of new experimental lines and existing winter wheat varieties in Central Montana. Yields from the Interstate Nursery ranged from 38.3 to 54.4 bu/a with the average equal to 47.2 bu/a. Test weights were lower than average at 57.6 lbs/bu and grain proteins averaged 15.4 percent. Yields of grain varieties grown in the Advanced Yield Winter Wheat Nursery ranged from 41.7 to 57.4 bu/a with the average being 47.2 bu/a. Test weights were below average at 59.5 lbs/bu and grain protein averaged 15.4 percent. Grain yields in the preliminary nurseries ranged from 36.7 to 59.5 bu/a. Yields averaged 47.9 bu/a in the Preliminary A nursery and test weights were below average at 57.6 lbs/bu. Grain yields in the Preliminary B nursery averaged 51.4 bu/a and test weights were average at 60.1 lbs/bu. Soil moisture at seeding time was good and urea was broadcast in early September. Winter survival rates averaged 78 to 84 percent and total annual precipitation of 10.6 inches resulted in lower than normal yields. Lower than average test weights were accompanied by higher than average grain protein levels.