Durum Variety Evaluation in Off-Station and Re-Crop Trials Near Moccasin, Denton, Fort Benton, and Winifred (2000)

Abstract

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.