4_4_2006

News for the Week:

Scouting Observations April 3, 2006

Winter wheat on Conservation Cropping Systems Project demonstration farm

Roger Knapp, CCA

DU Winter Cereal Agronomist

Notes: Seedlings were dug last week from two CDC Falcon winter wheat plots on CCSP.

Twenty seedlings were prepared and observed for four days. (See test procedures)

The image at right shows seedling response to the test.

Observations:

First day= seedlings prepared, only plants that appear alive were used in the test.

Second day= some leaf elongation and new root growth observed.

Third day = leaf and root elongation of roots on more plants.

Fourth day = Most plants have some leaf growth. Eight seedlings of the 20 plants show new root growth.

Conclusions:

Plants appeared to have survived the winter.

The seedlings which had at least 3 leaves and good crown development last fall are most vigorous at this time. These plants were seeded right at one inch deep. Many seedlings appear less vigorous at this time. We will continue to observe the vigor test for several more days to see if more seedlings grow roots.

This test is not conclusive at this time and is only published here for illustrative purposes. In past seasons, differences between fields and seeding methods tended to become minimal as the growing season progressed. It should be emphasized that starter and seeding depth and timing are crucial to good seedling vigor and field survival.

We will continue regular field scouting of these plots to support spring fertilization and pest control decisions.

(Testing Dormant Wheat for Life procedures instructions.)

To determine if wheat plants are alive before active growth begins in the spring:

1. Remove the top three inches of soil containing the plant crown.

2. Thaw the samples and warm to room temperature.

3. Remove soil from the roots and wash with cool water to remove attached soil.

4. Cut off fall growth to within 1 inch above the crown and roots below the crown.

5. Rinse the crowns with cool water.

6. Place 10 wet crowns in a labeled plastic bag, inflate the bag and tie shut.

7. Place the bags in a lighted room, but not in direct sunlight.

8. Check the crowns in two days, rinse with cool water and re-inflate the bag.

9. After four days, the crown should show about two inches of growth.

10. Plants that are not growing after six days should be considered dead when estimating survival.

11. Some plants may grow poorly and develop molds. Molds live on dead or injured plants.