1. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 1 Wheat Stand Counts Presentation by: Chad Lee, Grain Crops Extension Specialist University of Kentucky

2. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 2 Most of the information comes from: ID-125: A Comprehensive Guide to Wheat Management in Kentucky

3. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 3 Objectives Stand Counts Tiller Counts

4. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 4 Three Critical Management Issues 1.Seeding: Date, Depth, Rate 2.N Rate and Timing 3.Fusarium Head Blight

5. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 5 Scout the Stands Critical for N Management

6. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 6 Determining Plant Density 1.Use a yardstick or dowel rod 3-ft in length 2.Count all plants in the 3-ft length of row. Record the number. 3.Repeat this in 5 locations across the field. Record all numbers. 4.Determine the average of the counts. 5.Calculate the plants per sq ft with the following equation…

7. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 7 Determining Plant Density Plant number = (plant count x 4) Row width in inches Calculate the plants per sq ft with the following equation…

8. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 8 Tiller Counts  Feekes 3: Tillers formed.  70 - 100 tillers/ft 2 adequate.  Only count tillers (including main stem) with three or more leaves.  Less than 70 tillers/ft 2 : N should be applied.

9. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 9 Planting Date Effect on Tillers DateSeeds/ft 2 Tillers/ft 2 Location 1 (1997-1998) Oct 1437101 Oct 142393 Oct 253758 Nov 73745 Location 1 (1996-1997) Oct 143983 Oct 142361 Oct 243957 Nov 173950 From: Weisz et al. 2001. Agron. J. 93: 435-442. (NC State University)

10. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 10 Planting Date Effect on Tillers DateSeeds/ft 2 Tillers/ft 2 Location 2 Oct 223933 Oct 222331 Nov 123929 Nov 203928 Location 3 Oct 2239 Oct 222338 Nov 123933 Nov 203922 From: Weisz et al. 2001. Agron. J. 93: 435-442. NC State University (1996-1997 data)

11. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 11 Head Counts Feekes 10.5: –All heads out of sheath. 60 to 70 heads/ft 2 are ideal. –600 heads/yd 2 –35 kernels/head (16 to 18 spikelets/head). 55 heads/head will result in adequate yields. –500 heads/yd 2 90 to 100 heads/ft 2 will likely result in severe lodging.

12. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 12 Head Count Effect on Yield

13. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 13