1.       2005 Soft Winter Wheat YIELD DATA from the WSU Variety Testing nursery at the Almira location averaged 105.2 bu/ac and was slightly higher than the historical 3-year average by 6% (99.4 bu/ac).  NOTE:  The Almira nursery was located approximately 10 miles north of Almira, WA off Bagdad Rd (D. McKay farm).

2.       This nursery was planted on 9 September 2004 into excellent soil moisture.  Fall 2004 GROWING CONDITIONS coupled with a mild winter and timely precipitation patterns in late spring 2005 undoubtedly were ideal for winter wheat development in this region for the 2005 crop.

3.       STRIPE RUST was generally not an issue in this soft white winter wheat nursery. 

4.       Average plant height of the 48 varieties in the soft white winter nursery was 41.6 inches compared to an average plant height of 36.8 inches in the 2004 nursery – nearly 5-inches inches taller in 2005.  Eltan averaged 43.0 inches compared to 38.0 inches in the 2005 and 2004 nurseries, respectively.  

5.       YIELD RANKING trends among varieties at this location remained fairly consistent with the historical yield rankings.  The 2005 growing season seemed to favor earlier maturing varieties in comparison to varieties and experimental lines that had Eltan in their pedigrees.  This is probably a function of a faster root growth and soil penetration of early varieties compared to Eltan that is slower to start in the spring and may not have developed as extensive a root system that was needed later in the season when soil moisture dried in the upper soil levels.

6.       TEST WEIGHT values were good at this location suggesting late season precipitation during June 2005 ‘hit’ at the right time for kernel development and fill.