In The Field with Randy

from Eye On Magazine October 2020

Tasty Talk

In The Field with Randy Wheat Planting Season

Randy Chlapecka is an agronomist with Farmers Supply Association. He is retired from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension Service where he served as a County Extension Agent for over 32 years. He is an avid ASU Red Wolves fan and has announced Newport Greyhound sporting events since 1996. He also enjoys vegetable gardening.

Wheat planting season is here. The wheat market has made a move upward over the last couple of months which may entice a little more acreage. On the other hand, most have gotten used to not having wheat and kind of like it that way. It would take a much more significant move to create more interest for these folks. Most like the advantages of early planted soybeans. The growers who will definitely maintain their wheat acreage are those who have success with the corn/wheat/soybean rotation and where they are farming dryland sand and wheat is about the only consistent option.

The recommended planting date range for our part of the state is basically the month of October. I prefer a window of roughly October 10 through November 1. Planting earlier can lead to excess growth and the increased potential for freeze damage. There are also several insects more active in the warmer temperatures of earlier planting including fall armyworms, Hessian fly, and aphids. Aphids can transmit Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus. On the other

hand, planting later can lead to less tillering and generally lower yield potential.

The recommended seeding rate for drilled wheat planted during the recommended planting timeframe is 26 seeds per square foot. The poundage can vary considerably depending on seed size but on average will be around 90 pounds per acre. If planting in November, planting into a rough seedbed, broadcasting, or planting no-till then you probably need to increase your seeding rate by 20 percent or so.

As for fall fertilization, phosphorus is arguably the most important element needed which is in contrast to rice and soybeans. Fall nitrogen is recommended for wheat following rice or when planting in November.

Just like it has become with rice and soybeans, the effective use of preemergence herbicides is more important than ever. Ryegrass is the number one target with these herbicides. Zidua or Anthem Flex are rated a 9 on ryegrass and are the best options. They also have excellent activity on annual bluegrass, cheat, and horseweed, among other weeds. They should be applied delayed preemergence (after the wheat seed has imbibed the moisture needed for germination). Of course, they will need rainfall (or center pivot) for activation in order to be effective. Any emerged ryegrass should be destroyed, typically by tillage, before planting of the wheat.

For more information, feel free to contact me through Farmers Supply Association by cell phone at 870-318-0739, my e-mail israndychlapecka@gmail.com. N

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