Adaptation and Performance of Winter Durum Wheat in Virginia
2003
Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) produced in the northern Great Plains and the Pacific Southwest of the United States is primarily of spring growth habit. The objective of this research was to determine the feasibility of winter durum production in Virginia, typically a soft red winter wheat (T. aestivum L.) production area. Adaptation and yield potential of 19 winter durum lines were evaluated at locations in different regions of Virginia: the northern piedmont plateau (1995–1998), the northern ridge and valley (1995–1998), the southern ridge and valley (1995–1998), and the northern coastal plain (1996–1998). Durum lines were planted in replicated trials along with soft red winter wheat in late September to early October and harvested in late June to early July, depending on location. Durum yields were highest and the yield advantage of soft red winter wheat lowest in the 1996–1997 growing season, which was drier than the 1995–1996 and 1997–1998 growing seasons. The highest yields and test weights of durum wheat were obtained at the northern piedmont plateau location. Winter durum lines from the Ukraine were best adapted to the Virginia climate. Winter durum yields averaged 30 to 40% less than soft red winter wheat. Test weights of most durum lines met the required minimum for grade U.S. no. 2 or better only in 1997. The results demonstrate that durum production in Virginia is possible, but inconsistencies in yield and test weight indicate that durum may be a relatively high-risk alternative to soft red winter wheat production.
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