Lower stem nitrate concentration is used as a guide for fertilization of small grains in Arizona. The objective of this study is to determine if the timing of stem sampling has an appreciable effect on stem nitrate and corresponding fertilizer recommendations. Durum and barley were grown at the Maricopa Agricultural Center and lower stems were analyzed for nitrate from 3-leaf to maturity. The lower stem nitrate concentration initially climbed from 3000 ppm at 3-leaf to 10,000 ppm around the 2-node stage. It then gradually declined from the 2-node stage until maturity when it fell to less than 3000 ppm In this study, the timing of the stem sampling would not have affected fertilizer recommendations, although considerable fluctuation in stem nitrate concentration was measured.

This work represents the second year of a 3-year testing program to identify low input wheat and barley entries with higher test weight and less lodging than Solum barley. Twenty lines each of barley and wheat were grown at the Maricopa Agricultural Center with one, two, or seven irrigations. Several barley entries yielded similar to Solum but had higher test weight and less lodging. Several wheat entries exhibited good yield potential and lodging resistance.

This work represents the third year of a 3-year testing program to identify low input wheat and barley entries with higher test weight and less lodging than Solum barley. Twenty lines each of barley and wheat were grown at the Maricopa Agricultural Center with one, two, or seven irrigations. Several barley entries yielded similar to Solum but had higher test weight and less lodging. Several wheat entries exhibited good yield potential, test weight, and lodging resistance.

Head rows of 4 experimental lines each of barley and wheat were grown at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. One barley and one wheat line were harvested and the seed retained as breeders seed. The barley line is significantly improved in yield, test weight, and lodging resistance compared to Solum. The wheat line does not represent a significant improvement over Yecora rojo, and may not be released.

Small grain varieties are evaluated each year by University of Arizona personnel. The purpose of these tests is to characterize varieties in terms of yield and other attributes. Variety performance varies greatly from year to year and several site-years are necessary to adequately characterize the yield potential of a variety. A summary of small grain variety trials conducted by the University of Arizona can be found online at http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1265.pdf.

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