2025 Michigan State Wheat Performance Trials

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August 13, 2025 <pennin34@msu.edu>, <eolson@msu.edu>, <nobleam1@msu.edu>, <newber36@msu.edu>

The 2025 Michigan State Wheat Performance Trials evaluated winter wheat across seven counties, focusing on yield, disease resistance, and quality. Planting in fall 2024 was mostly timely, though dry conditions delayed some sowing. Favorable overwintering conditions, aided by snow cover, supported crop survival despite arctic cold snaps. However, early snowstorms led to snow mold damage in some fields.
 
Spring growth was slow due to cool temperatures and low growing degree day (GDD) accumulation, which allowed extended tillering. Powdery mildew emerged under humid conditions, prompting widespread fungicide applications. Stripe rust was minimal, and overall disease pressure remained light until flowering. Lodging occurred in high-yielding fields, exacerbated by thunderstorms and nitrogen overlap. Cereal leaf beetle infestations required control in some areas, though beneficial insects were prevalent.
 
Harvest quality was initially high, but frequent rains caused preharvest sprouting and reduced falling numbers in some regions. Stinking smut was reported in west-central Michigan. Test weights varied, and harvest timing was closer to normal compared to 2024.
 
Trials included 100 entries from 11 organizations, with data collected on yield, moisture, test weight, Fusarium Head Blight resistance, and milling/baking quality. Multi-year data emphasized the importance of selecting varieties based on regional performance and disease resistance. Experimental plots were planted in alpha lattice designs with standardized seeding and fertilization protocols.
 
The report provides detailed tables on performance metrics and encourages growers to select multiple varieties to manage disease and optimize yield under varying conditions.
 

Please see report for details. 

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