The GRDC-funded managing early sown wheat trial was sown on March 15 at Curyo, with germination occurring just days later.
This trial is aiming to identify well adapted wheat varieties should an early break occur. Three irrigation rates (10, 25 and 50mm – Figure 1) are used to simulate an autumn break over three varieties sown at four different times of sowing (TOS).
Figure 1. The 10, 25 and 50mm irrigation rates at the first time of sowing on 15 March.
A further nine varieties are receiving 10mm of irrigation over the four TOS.
The first three sowing treatments at Curyo and Longerenong are progressing well thanks to warm soil temperatures and moisture (Figure 2). The fourth sowing time will be sown this week at both locations.
Figure 2. One day after being sown, this wheat seed had germinated (photo taken March 16).
Spring wheat varieties Scepter and Cutlass sown on March 15 have taken advantage of the warm weather and are now at GS30-31 (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Scepter and Cutlass have developed fast.
The winter wheat varieties from the March 15 sowing have eight to nine tillers and the second time of sowing is progressing well.
The third time of sowing was sown followed by 10mm of irrigation however, due to the additional 60mm of rainfall the day following sowing, the trial suffered some trifluralin herbicide damage as it was washed into the furrow.
The fourth and final time of sowing will be sown this week. Keep an eye on social media for progress as the season continues.
