The dry spring conditions suited autumn sown feed wheat trials sited under good irrigation systems in Canterbury, leading to yields between 13 and 15 t/ha. The cooler temperatures over grain fill in January would also have contributed to these higher yields. However, yields were down on the four year average by 2 to 2.3 t/ha in South Canterbury dryland trials reflecting the dry season. The four year analysis showed the top yielding cultivars in the Canterbury irrigated trials were Wakanui, Torch, Starfire and the new coded cultivar KWW59. Wakanui and Torch were in the top group in the dryland trials together with the coded cultivar CRWT227.
A number of newer milling cultivars are showing good yield performance. In the premium milling category Duchess and Reliance are out-yielding Conquest. Discovery, in its third year in CPT2, was the top yielding medium grade milling wheat. Hanson, which is in its second year of CPT2 was the highest yielding gristing wheat.
Sanette and the more recent cultivars Dragoon, Scholar and Piper are at the top of the autumn sown barley trials in Canterbury. Sanette and two coded cultivars SYN413-347 and CRBA146 had the highest yields in the Southland trial.
FAR welcomes any queries or suggestions to further improve these booklets. Alternatively, if you require any additional information that we have not included please contact us.
Rob Craigie
Research Manager