February 1, 2022
The 2021 growing season was unlike what many have ever seen or, at least for the older growers, not experienced in a long time. Growing wheat in the difficult weather conditions resulted in many observations about placement and management of wheat varieties. We learned that proper placement and planting of WestBred wheat varieties is important for maximizing yield potential, and there are some factors to consider that can help get the 2022 crop off to a good start.
1. Planting Date — Field conditions and weather will dictate when we can plant, but targeting the earlier end of the planting window is typically the best practice. Being timely with planting is not always easy. However, being prepared to plant when field conditions are optimal should be the goal.
2. Variety Selection — It is highly recommended to plant multiple wheat varieties on the farm each season. Just as important is matching wheat varieties with the soil types and growing conditions they are targeted toward. Placement can be key to maximizing performance potential of wheat varieties. It is also a good idea to divide a field and plant different wheat varieties for a side-by-side comparison.
3. Plant Certified Seed — In 2021, 46% of National Wheat Yield Contest winners won with WestBred wheat commercial seed only (CSO) varieties. CSO varieties offer current genetics and improved disease protection and protein potential.
4. Seed Depth and Placement — Check your seeding depth for a 1.5-inch target depth at the start, and recheck the seed depth throughout planting. Also, check that all row units are dropping seed and are not clogged. Planter maintenance is important for planting seed correctly and accurately.
5. Seed Treatment — Planting wheat early can offer many advantages. The earliest-planted wheat, however, has the highest likelihood of facing adverse growing conditions as the young plants try to establish a stand. Fungicide and insecticide seed treatments can help protect young seedlings from diseases and insects and are recommended on all seed being planted.
For additional information, contact Peter Comis, WestBred Regional Commercial Manager, Northern Region at 919-600-3788, or peter.comis@bayer.com.
Performance may vary, from location to location and from year to year, as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible and should consider the impacts of these conditions on the grower’s fields. Bayer, Bayer Cross, WestBred and Design and WestBred are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. 2022 Bayer Group. All Rights Reserved.