Introduction
 
 Spring wheat varieties are compared in trial plots at Waseca, Lamberton, 
 Morris, Crookston, Stephen, Roseau, and St. Paul. Wheat varieties are grown 
 in replicated plots at each location, and plots are handled so that the 
 factors affecting yield and other characteristics are as nearly the  same for 
 all varieties at each location as possible. These hard red spring wheat 
 trials are not designed for crop (species) comparisons, because the various 
 crops are grown on different fields or with different management.  The data 
 should only be used to compare varieties within a table.  Tested hard red 
 spring wheat varieties are listed in the order of their flowering date in the 
 tables and year of release within variety categories. Only new varieties or 
 those varieties with better than susceptible reaction to scab are being 
 tested.
 
 Variety Selection Criteria
 
 Although all data presented should be considered when choosing wheat 
 varieties, scab epidemics in the hard red spring wheat growing areas of the 
 state have demonstrated the clear need to give greater weight to selecting 
 varieties for their tolerance to this devastating disease. Scab evaluations 
 include disease severity, based on visual spread of the disease on the spike 
 and grain soundness, which reflects the variety's ability to maintain plump, 
 sound kernels. These ratings should be considered together to reduce risk of 
 loss. Use of more than one variety to provide different days to heading and 
 use of different seeding dates is highly recommended to reduce risk.  Variety 
 descriptions do not provide information on scab resistance; table information 
 should be used.
 
 
 Hard Red Spring Wheat Planting Rate
 
 Calculating and seeding the appropriate amount of seed is an important first 
 step to-wards maximizing yield. The seeding rate is a function of the number 
 of kernels per pound of seed, the percent germination of the lot, the 
 expected stand loss as a function of the quality of seedbed, and the desired 
 stand.  In Minnesota, an average optimum stand for hard red spring wheat when 
 planted early is between 28 to 30 plants per square foot or approximately 
 1.25 million plants per acre. This number should increase by 1 to 2 plants 
 per square foot for every week planting is delayed past the early, optimum 
 seeding date. Expected stand loss even under good seedbed conditions is 
 between 10 to 20% and will increase with a poor seedbed or improper seed 
 placement due to poor depth control.  The general formula for calculating a 
 seeding rate is: 
 Seeding Rate (lbs/A) = Desired Stand in Plants/Acre (1 + Expected Stand Loss)
 			----------------------------------------------------
 			      [(Seeds/Pound) (Percentage Germination)]
 
 Calculate the seeding rate for every single seed lot and calibrate the drill 
 accordingly.
 
 
 Example: Early variety.
 
 Desired Stand, 	Expected 	Seeds per 	Percentage 	Seeding Rate,
 Plants/Acre 	Stand Loss 	Pound 		Germination 	Lb/Acre
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 1.25 million 	0.20 		14,000		0.95 		113
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