Funded by Alberta Grains
Background and Objective
Several Wheat varieties were sown at different seeding rates to evaluate plant height, protein content, yield, thousand kernel weight and test weight. We hypothesized that differences in varieties of either cereal and sowing rates would influence the outcome of grain yields and grain attributes. For this project AAC Brandon, AAC Redwater, AAC Viewfield and AAC Wheatland were chosen as the most popular Wheat varieties among growers in the Peace Region of Alberta and seeded at 4 different seeding rates 25, 30, 35 and 40 plants/ft2.
Methods
The project was conducted over 2 years (2022-2023 growing seasons) at the research farms of 4 applied Agricultural Research Associations (ARAs) in Peace County Region in NW Alberta. This was at Fairview, AB for the Peace Country Beef and Forage Association (PCBFA); Fort Vermilion, AB for the Mackenzie Applied Research Association (MARA); North Star, AB for the North Peace Applied Research Association (NPARA) and Ballater, AB for SARDA Ag Research. Figure 1 shows the cumulative rainfall recorded at all sites during the 2023 growing season. Trials were set up as a randomized complete block design using four replications in small plots measuring at least 8 m x 1.14 m. Seeding was carried out using a 6-row Fabro Plot Drill equipped with disc-type openers on 23 cm row spacing complete with side banding. Details of cultural practices are provided in Table 1 below.
Data was computed as an analysis of variance with three fixed effects and three random effects. Fixed effects were wheat variety and seeding rate as well as its interaction. Random effects were research location site, replicates, and its interaction. Parameters for analysis included plant height, protein content, thousand kernel weight (TKW) and test weight. Emergence and stand count were not included as only two out of the four sites monitored these values. To procure normality, and independence among data research points taken, test weight was transformed to the square power.
Observations
Worth highlighting are the following observations: a) In Ballater, AAC Brandon Wheat variety did not grow at all and hence no measurements were taken. b) germination in Fort Vermillion was late due to a drought in May/June which may have affected emergence and subsequent stand counts. Also, rains occurring in August at the same site caused delayed maturity in half the trial area. As a result, the Wheat had to be desiccated.
Results
Research allotted data from Fairview, Fort Vermilion, North Star and Ballater is provided in Tables 2 and 3. Data for height, test weight, yield, protein, and thousand kernel weight (TKW) were compiled for both years 2022 and 2023. This was done because the p-values for the year as a random effect were not significant (p= 0.3179, 0.2600, 0.2433, 0.2428, 0.4047 for height, test weight, yield, protein, and TKW respectively). Table 2 shows p values obtained from statistical analysis. As shown, variety and seeding rate did not affect Wheat yield, or any parameters related to plant or grain attributes. Stand counts, emergence and lodging were analyzed only for the growing season of 2023. As such, there was no effect from the Wheat variety type or the seeding rate on stand count, emergence, or lodging (Table 2).
Conclusion
Some effects of variety and seeding rates were observed on height, protein content, thousand kernel weight (TKW) and yield the first time the trial was set up in 2022, but cumulative data from 2022 and 2023 shows otherwise. Lack of significance may imply that under drought conditions all varieties perform equally. Undoubtedly, this trial needs to be repeated for more years for data to be more robust and reliable. Alberta Grains gave an additional year of funding for this trial for 2024. These results will be further confirmed when 2024 results come in.
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