*Leaf rust/stripe rust resistance ratings: R, Resistant; MR, moderately resistant; MS, moderately susceptible; and S, susceptible

Two & three-year ‘watch list.’ Based on recent harvest data Gallagher (Oklahoma St.) is under consideration as a Pick (comparable to Iba), and it has good rust resistance (MR/R). Denali (S/MS) and Byrd (S/S) both from PlainsGold/Colorado State show good yields and have generated discussion within AgriLife as possible Picks though susceptibility to rusts is a concern.

Changes to 2015-2016 High Plains Wheat Picks

Deletions: TAM 304 is no longer a Pick for our typical full irrigation category (insufficient yields, low test weight), but we do believe TAM 304 remains a viable choice for true high-input production systems with high irrigation, high N fertility applications, etc. where producers are shooting for yields at 100 bu/A or more. In 2015 Duster and Hatcher were removed as Picks for all production conditions.

Additions: TAM 114 (initially tested as TX07A001505) is added for all production conditions. In the Texas High Plains TAM 114 has good across-the-board resistance to rusts, good straw strength, desirable milling and baking qualities, and also has intermediate resistance to some biotypes of Hessian fly. WB Grainfield grain yields are good and key rust resistance is in place.

A special note about TAM 111: We initially decided to remove TAM 111 from our Picks list (removed from full irrigation in 2015) due to a modest decline in recent yields and its susceptibility to leaf and stem rust. For producers as long as you understand that good management, which will include timely scouting for rusts and treatment if needed, is an important key for TAM 111, then it remains a good choice.

For further discussion of wheat Pick varieties in the Texas High Plains consult “Pick Wheat Grain Varieties for the Texas High Plains & Eastern New Mexico” (2016-2017) available at http://lubbock.tamu.edu/ and http://amarillo.tamu.edu/amarillo-center-programs/agronomy/wheat-publications/.The preliminary report is currently posted, and we will have a full report posted by August 15, which will include our 2-, 3-, and 4-year averages calculated for irrigated & dryland, yield & test weight.
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Much of the data supporting the decision behind the Picks will be published by mid-August in “Texas Wheat Variety Trial Results—2016,” to be posted at http://varietytesting.tamu.edu/wheat/index.htmWheat Variety Grain Picks—Other Texas Regions

Dr. Clark Neely, state small grains extension specialist, College Station (979-862-1412, cbneely@tamu.edu) compiles our Picks for Texas Rolling Plains, Texas Blacklands (including northeast Texas), South Texas, and Lower Rio Grande Valley. Look for his updated 2016-2017 Picks list in the September edition of Texas Row Crops Newsletter, or contact him directly for a preview. Last year’s Picks are posted at http://agrilife.org/texasrowcrops/2015/09/03/texas-wheat-variety-picks-for-grain/.