Research Projects Funded in 2011-12

Brings total dedicated to wheat and small grain research in Kentucky to nearly $1.8 million

In August, the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association and Promotion Council selected the research projects that will receive Small Grain checkoff funding for the 2011-2012 growing season. The new round of projects brings the total dedicated funding toward research to nearly $1.8 million since the checkoff was initiated in 1992.

Below is a summary of the research projects selected.

CONTINUING PROJECTS

Primary Investigator: David Van Sanford, University of Kentucky

The goal of the University of Kentucky wheat breeding program is to increase profitability of Kentucky’s wheat production by developing and releasing improved wheat varieties with high yields and test weights, enhanced scab resistance and overall disease resistance, increased lodging resistance and increased profitability. Significant progress towards these goals requires long term, sustained effort and commitment.

2011 Funding: $34,955
Total Funding to Date: $719,152

Primary Investigator: Bill Bruening, University of Kentucky

Small grain production is an important component of Kentucky’s agricultural economy. New wheat and barley varieties are continually being developed by breeders. In order to maximize the profitability of small grain production, annual evaluation of varieties is needed to help farmers select varieties with superior agronomic performance.

Grain yield and test weight, as well as straw and forage yield are directly related to crop income, but varietal traits, such as plant height, lodging potential, maturity, and disease resistance are also important management-related components of profitability. The UK Small Grain Variety Testing Program annually evaluates the agronomic performance, general adaptability and pest resistance of small grain varieties grown in Kentucky.

2011 Funding: $8,000
Total Funding to Date: $89,150

Primary Investigator: Lloyd Murdock, University of Kentucky

The objective of this study is to: 1) Adopt the Greenseeker/nitrogen technology to Kentucky conditions using small plots and on-farm tests, and  2) Fine tune nitrogen recommendations under today’s production practices and varieties for the most economical nitrogen rate on well-drained and marginally drained soils.

2011 Funding: $5,000
Total Funding to Date: $30,000

Wheat Crop Sensing in Spring: On-Farm Comparison of Uniform, On-the-Go, and Prior Scanning

Primary Investigator: Ole Wendroth, University of Kentucky

This project is a continuation of other projects headed by Wendroth which began in 2005. The objectives of this study are to investigate four strips in a farmer's field with regard to the usual uniform nitrogen fertilizer application rate, on-the-go site specific sensor-derived N-fertilizer application based on calibration plots, and site-specific N fertilizer application after prior scanning of the entire field, data processing and producing of an application map.

2011 Funding: $6,500
Total Funding to Date: $35,500

Primary Investigator: James Martin, University of Kentucky

The objective of this research project is to evaluate the effect of seeding rate of wheat and preharvest applications on managing giant ragweed and marestail in wheat. Martin will also investigate methods and chemistries that will allow for early control of these weed pests, as well as look at glyphosate resistant marestail on into the soybean season.

2011 Funding: $6,000
Total Funding to Date: $18,000

Primary Investigator: David Hildebrand, University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is evaluating chia as a new crop for Kentucky farmers due to its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber. After five years of initial studies, Hildebrand has developed an early-flowering chia line for Kentucky and is evaluating the field performance for yield potential, agronomic performance, oil content and characteristics, and optimize production practices (row spacing, fertilization, planting dates, etc.). Hildebrand will also process the seeds of the top lines into oil, fiber and high-protein meal for testing, as well as, look at new product development and marketing opportunities.

2011 Funding: $10,000
Total Funding to Date: $20,000

Primary Investigators: Carl A. Griffey and Wynse S. Brooks, Virginia Tech

The primary objective of this project is to assess and enhance the yield potential of hulled and hulless barley lines for use in fuel, food and feed industries. Marker assisted backcrossing also will be used to transfer desirable traits into the high yielding hulled cultivar Thoroughbred to obtain lines having high yield potential, superior disease resistance, and excellent end use quality. This transformation should make barley more competitive with wheat and corn and will enhance profitability of barley for producers.

2011 Funding: $5,000
Total Funding to Date: $10,000

Primary Investigator: Edwin Ritchey, University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky will use tissue analysis to determine if there are any undiagnosed nutrient deficiencies that may be yield limiting in wheat produced in Kentucky. In the 2011 study, approximately 70% and 38% for potassium and nitrogen were below the sufficiency range. These values need to be verified as being low due to low fertility rather environmental effects of the wet spring. Plant tissue analysis is useful to diagnose plant nutritional problems or to monitor effectiveness of a soil fertility program. It is especially valuable to assess the status of plant nutrients that do not have valid soil test calibration. In Kentucky, Mehlich 3 soil test has not been calibrated for wheat yield response to sulfur, boron, copper, manganese, or zinc.

2011 Funding: $4,000
Total Funding to Date: $8,000

 NEW PROJECTS

Impact of Climate Change on Wheat Production in Kentucky

Primary Investigators: David Van Sanford & Katie Russell, University of Kentucky

The primary objective of this project is to determine the likely impact of climate change on Kentucky agriculture. Investigators say it will be necessary to determine what is known about climate change at our latitude/longitude and in our environment, what research is already being done and by whom, and what gaps there are that might be filled by future Kentucky-based research efforts. Their approach to this will be based on four activities: scientific literature review, review future climate scenarios and historic wheat data to develop a basic wheat yield model, conduct a climate change workshop, and interact with leading scientists on the topic.

2011 Funding: $5,000

Tracking the Source of Aphid-Vectored Virus in Winter Wheat

Primary Investigator: James Harwood & , University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky will work to develop an easy and reliable sampling technique for local movement of aphids, document the timing and source of viruliferous aphids into winter wheat fields, track the spatial and temporal movement of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus through winter wheat fields and make management recommendations to Kentucky growers for local aphid control.

2011 Funding: $8,521

Questions? Call 800-326-0906 or email info@kysmallgrains.org.