2008 Performance of Spring Wheat Varieties in Central Montana

Abstract

2008 was a severe sawfly year in many wheat growing areas of Montana. There were even instances of severe sawfly cutting on barley. Sawfly stem cutting in the Denton and Geraldine spring wheat variety trials was moderate to severe, respectively. Wheat crops within a couple miles of CARC experienced severe cutting. Damage to CARC wheat crops were miniscule. Harvest height was 3-4 inches so most of the sawfly cut stems were picked up. Test weights were above expectations for the dry summer. The decent test weights may reflect spring stress conditions that reduced the wheat yield potential.