Effect of Planting Date on Wheat Yield in Yuma, 2013

Abstract

Planting dates are known to affect wheat yields. Previous research has shown that the optimum planting date in Yuma is December 15 to January 15. Wheat is sometimes sown later than this in the Yuma area, and earlier planting dates have not been tested. To test a wide range of planting dates, six varieties(Duraking, Havasu, Joaquin, Kronos, WB-Mead, and Yecora Rojo) were planted at two seeding rates (160 and 240 lbs/A) and six planting dates at the beginning of each month from November through April at the Yuma Valley Agricultural Center. Grain yield averaged 6517 (Nov 4), 6339 (Dec 6), 6096(Jan 4), 5712 (Feb 1), 4962(Mar 1), and 3590(Apr 5). The late-flowering varieties performed relatively better at the earlier planting dates. Seeding rates of 160 and 240 lbs/A had no measureable effect on yield overall.