2004 Intra-State Winter Wheat Variety Performance

Abstract

This report evaluates new and existing winter wheat lines and varieties in dryland under various growing conditions in Montana and Western North Dakota. The 2004 Intrastate Winter Wheat Evaluation nursery was grown at Bozeman, Havre, Huntley, Kalispell, Moccasin, and Sidney, Montana and Williston, North Dakota. The 2004 Montana winter wheat crop varied widely across research locations due to extremes in winter survival, precipitation and growing season temperatures. The eastern portion of Montana had harsh winter conditions that caused pockets of winter kill. Severe drought conditions persisted in eastern Montana south of highway 200. Northwest Montana and north central conditions were much improved over the 2003 crop year. Cool June weather compensated for below average precipitation in central Montana. Dry conditions during grain fill reduced test weights at all locations except Bozeman. Harvest weather, in general, was good. The environmental conditions across the intra-state winter wheat locations provided for an ideal range of yields for good assessment of yield potential. These conditions provided an excellent range of yields and test weights. Grain protein levels were high. Conditions were suitable for good winter survival evaluations at Sidney and Williston.