1. 2005 Spring Wheat data from the WSU Variety Testing nursery at the Almira location averaged 38.0, 38.1, and 36.5 bu/ac for soft white spring, hard white spring and hard red spring wheat, respectively. The 2005 spring wheat average yields were lower by 8.2%, 9.9% and 13.7% for soft white spring, hard white spring and hard red spring wheat, respectively, compared to the historical 3-year average. This nursery was planted re-crop following a 2004 winter wheat crop.

2. TEST WEIGHT values were low, probably influenced by late season dry soil conditions coupled with fairly shallow root distribution caused by seasonal May/June 2005 precipitation patterns that allowed roots to survive on surface moisture and limited development to deeper soil depths. The shallow root development was most detrimental during grain fill when roots were sitting in dry soil.

3. STRIPE RUST infections were present in this nursery and most notable were susceptible soft white common varieties such as Zak, Penawawa, Edwall and Fielder that exhibited significant yield reductions. Edwall and Fielder also expressed significant reductions in TEST WEIGHT.

4. Average HEADING DATE (24 Jun 2005) was about a week later than the average 2004 heading date (17 Jun 2004).

5. In general, variety YIELD RANKINGS were similar to 3-year historical yield rankings with stripe rust susceptible varieties showing notably lower yields in 2005.