1.       2005 Soft Winter Wheat data from the WSU Variety Testing nursery at the Ritzville location averaged 59.8 bu/ac. The 2005 Soft White Winter wheat average yields were comparable to 3-year average yields (63.5 bu/ac).  NOTE:  The 2005 nursery was located approximately 8 miles NW of Ritzville (E. Maier farm) – the previous nursery location was approximately 8 miles SE of Ritzville (D. Wellsandt farm).  The 2005 location is located on a little lighter ground and not in as high a precipitation zone.

2.       This nursery was planted fairly late for the area in 2004 (28 Sept 2004); however, growing conditions favored good yields.

3.        Stripe rust was generally not an issue in this soft white winter wheat nursery. Stripe rust was present; however, high temperature, adult plant resistance was prevalent.  In contrast, stripe rust was fairly severe in a hard winter nursery planted next to the soft white winter nursery. (see notes below for Ritzville Hard Winter Wheat – 2005)

4.       Heading dates averaged slightly earlier (2-3 days) than in 2004.

5.       Yield ranking in the nursery for of the majority of varieties was similar to historical average rankings.  It is interesting to note that the four varieties with pedigrees that include Stephens (Lambert, Stephens, ID 587 and WB 528) had the average lowest yields in the 2005 nursery depicting poor adaptation for this area.