2004 Southwest Idaho Winter and Spring Small Grain Variety Performance
The 2004 season marked the 20th season of the Southwestern Idaho Cooperative Extension Winter and Spring Small Grain Performance Trials. The trials, supported by the Idaho Wheat Commission and Idaho Barley Commission, enable the testing of public and private varieties and advanced lines under the irrigated and dryland conditions of the Treasure Valley. The season was characterized by a mild fall and above normal temperatures during tillering, especially for fall plantings that caused earlier than normal heading. Mild temperatures during the rest of the season enabled longer than normal grain filling.
Winter Trials
Four irrigated winter wheat trials were conducted during the 2004 season. Two of the trials were planted in October (Parma R &E Center on Oct 8 and Weiser on October 15) and two in November (Parma R& E Center November 5 and Grandview November 6) to evaluate variety performance under both early and late planting conditions.
One dryland site was planted October 15 near Midvale. Yield at Weiser was likely reduced due to moisture stress during stem extension as plant heights were considerably shorter than at Parma while wheat protein values averaged high at Weiser indicating that excessive N was available for the conditions present.
Spring Trials
Three irrigated spring trials were planted at Parma on March 12, Weiser on March 18, and Kuna on March 19. Results are posted minus the protein values that will be included when received and summarized.
2004 Individual site year performance
Specialty Barley Performance
In addition to the normal extension trials involving hulled feed and malting types, a spring planted trial was conducted for the second year involving barley lines with special or unique traits such waxy, hull-less, or low phytate content to determine their performance relative to commonly grown irrigated varieties in the area. A fall planted trial that included several spring barley varieties was also conducted at the Parma Research and Extension Center. These trials were supported in part by the Idaho Barley Commission and Treasure Valley Renewable Resources. A research report is available for the 2004 results.