By Scout Nelson
Kansas wheat producers attended the Wheat Rx seminars to learn the latest research-backed strategies for improving wheat yields and quality. The events, held in Salina and Colby, covered key management areas, including variety selection, fertility, disease, and weed control.
Experts emphasized that yield success depends on informed decisions throughout the growing season. Selecting the right wheat variety plays a major role, with specialists advising producers to consider multiple years of performance data rather than relying on a single season’s results. Stability, disease resistance, and grain quality were highlighted as essential factors in variety selection.
“If it works on your farm, keep using it,” one expert advised, stressing the importance of choosing varieties suited to local conditions.
Fertility management was another key focus, with discussions on optimizing nitrogen and phosphorus applications for economic and agronomic efficiency. Split nitrogen applications and soil testing, including sulfur levels, were recommended for better nutrient balance.
Disease control was also addressed, particularly the threats posed by stripe rust, Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus, and Fusarium Head Blight. A new Stripe Rust Risk Forecasting Tool is available to help producers track disease spread. Managing volunteer wheat and cover crops was highlighted as a critical step in reducing disease risks.
Weed management discussions covered the increasing challenges of controlling jointed goatgrass, emphasizing the importance of selecting wheat varieties compatible with effective chemical treatments.
The seminars concluded with research findings showing that intensive management practices can significantly boost yields, especially for susceptible varieties. However, proper variety selection remains a crucial first step in achieving high yields with minimal management effort.
Photo Credits:istock-zhaojiankang
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Wheat