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ARS Home » Plains Area » Manhattan, Kansas » Center for Grain and Animal Health Research » Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #306969
Title: Weather, disease, and wheat breeding effects on Kansas wheat varietal yields, 1985 to 2011

Author
item BARKLEY, ANDREW - Kansas State University
item TACK, JESSE - Mississippi State University
item NALLEY, LAWTON - University Of Arkansas
item BERGTOLD, JASON - Kansas State University
item Bowden, Robert
item FRITZ, ALLAN - Kansas State University

Submitted to: Agronomy Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/10/2013
Publication Date: 12/10/2013
Publication URL: https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/aj/abstracts/106/1/227
Citation: Barkley, A., Tack, J., Nalley, L.L., Bergtold, J., Bowden, R.L., Fritz, A. 2013. Weather, disease, and wheat breeding effects on Kansas wheat varietal yields, 1985 to 2011. Agronomy Journal. 106:227-235.

Interpretive Summary: The objective of this research was to quantify the impacts of weather, disease, and genetic improvement on wheat yields of varieties grown in 11 locations in Kansas from 1985 to 2011. The results show that from 1985 through 2011, wheat breeding increased average wheat yields by 917 kg/ha, or 27% of total yield. Weather was found to have a large impact on wheat yields. Simulations demonstrated that a 1 degree Celsius increase in projected mean temperature was associated with a decrease in wheat yields of 715 kg/ ha, or 21%. Diseases, insects, and shattering were other important factors that negatively influenced yields.

Technical Abstract: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields in Kansas have increased due to wheat breeding and improved agronomic practices, but are subject to climate and disease challenges. The objective of this research is to quantify the impact of weather, disease, and genetic improvement on wheat yields of varieties grown in 11 locations in Kansas from 1985 to 2011. Wheat variety yield data from Kansas performance tests were matched with comprehensive location-specific disease and weather data, including seasonal precipitation, monthly air temperature, air temperature and solar radiation around anthesis, and vapor pressure deficit (VPD). The results show that wheat breeding programs increased yield by 34 kg/ha/yr. From 1985 through 2011, wheat breeding increased average wheat yields by 917 kg/ha, or 27% of total yield. Weather was found to have a large impact on wheat yields. Simulations demonstrated that a 1 degree Celsius increase in projected mean temperature was associated with a decrease in wheat yields of 715 kg/ ha, or 21%. Weather, diseases, and genetics all had significant impacts on wheat yields in 11 locations in Kansas during 1985-2011.