Sponsored: Limagrain
Choosing winter wheat in five steps
Nowhere in the world is so much winter wheat produced from 1 hectare as in the Netherlands: more than 9 tons on average. Nevertheless, yields of 13 to 15 tons on Dutch trial fields prove that there is still plenty to gain in terms of cultivation optimization and variety choice. What should you as a grower pay attention to?
1. Variety List
The Variety List is a good basis for variety selection. The figures are based on multi-year trial field results and provide a reliable picture of the yield potential and disease resistance of the varieties. Take a good look at which varieties score the best in terms of yield and resistance (especially pay attention to yellow rust and spike fusarium) in the different regions.
2. Firmness
When choosing the variety, pay close attention to the appreciation for sturdiness. The firmer the variety, the greater the harvest security. In the Dutch climate with a lot of wind and rainfall, firmness is an important factor that influences yield, quality and harvest security.
3. Time of sowing and precocity
When choosing a variety, take into account the length of the growing season. For later sowing, a variety that ripens earlier is preferred. However, make sure that the winter wheat is in the ground in time, preferably around mid-October. This considerably increases the chance of a high yield.
4. Fertilizing and baking quality
Nitrogen is often seen as a limiting factor for wheat yield. But the baking quality is also affected by it. When growing baking wheat, give a (sufficiently high) 3rd N dose.
5. Straw
A variety that produces long straw improves the balance. The straw is sold or chopped for the supply of organic matter. Take that into account when choosing a variety.
As the largest wheat breeding company in Europe, Limagrain has a strong range of harvest-safe varieties of baking, milling and feed wheat with high yield potentials. View the range of recommended varieties for 2018.
