A comparison of growth, development, water use, protein production, and grain yield of winter and spring wheat in Saskatchewan

Abstract

Winter and spring wheat productivity was compared in field trails under a wide range of environments in Saskatchewan. Nine trials were conducted between 1974 and 1979 while nine trials were conducted between 1986 and 1988. In the 1970's, weather conditions were "typical" (moist in June; drier in July) and under these conditions, Sundance HRWW averaged 3211 kg ha-1 and Manitou HRSW averaged 2429 kg ha-1. Conditions in 1986, 1987, and 1988 were drier and high levels of early season water and temperature stresses occurred in all years. Under these conditions the approximately 32 % yield advantage for winter wheat observed earlier was maintained (Norstar: 1989 kg ha-1 vs . Katepwa: 1503 kg ha-1). Greater yield for the winter wheat in these trials was attributed to more efficient water use and a higher production of kernels per unit area of land (i.e., establishment of a higher yield potential). Over all trials, grain protein production was similar for the winter and spring crops (310 kg ha-1 for winter wheat vs. 319 kg ha-1 for spring wheat), however grain protein concentration was higher for the spring crops (12.3 % for winter wheat vs. 15.4 % for spring wheat).