Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 1

Wheat Stand Counts

Presentation by: Chad Lee, Grain Crops Extension Specialist

University of Kentucky

Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 2

Most of the information comes from:

ID-125: A Comprehensive Guide to Wheat Management in Kentucky

Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 3

Objectives

• Stand Counts• Tiller Counts

Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 4

Three Critical Management Issues

1. Seeding: Date, Depth, Rate2. N Rate and Timing3. Fusarium Head Blight

Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 5

Scout the StandsCritical for N Management

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…

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…

Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 8

Tiller Counts

Feekes 3: Tillers formed. 70 - 100 tillers/ft2 adequate.

Only count tillers (including main stem) with three or more leaves.

Less than 70 tillers/ft2: N should be applied.

Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 9

Planting Date Effect on Tillers

Date Seeds/ft2 Tillers/ft2

Location 1 (1997-1998)

Oct 14 37 101

Oct 14 23 93

Oct 25 37 58

Nov 7 37 45

Location 1 (1996-1997)

Oct 14 39 83

Oct 14 23 61

Oct 24 39 57

Nov 17 39 50

From: Weisz et al. 2001. Agron. J. 93: 435-442. (NC State University)

Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 10

Planting Date Effect on Tillers

Date Seeds/ft2 Tillers/ft2

Location 2

Oct 22 39 33

Oct 22 23 31

Nov 12 39 29

Nov 20 39 28

Location 3

Oct 22 39 39

Oct 22 23 38

Nov 12 39 33

Nov 20 39 22

From: Weisz et al. 2001. Agron. J. 93: 435-442. NC State University (1996-1997 data)

Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 11

Head Counts

• Feekes 10.5: – All heads out of sheath.

• 60 to 70 heads/ft2 are ideal.– 600 heads/yd2

– 35 kernels/head (16 to 18 spikelets/head).

• 55 heads/head will result in adequate yields.– 500 heads/yd2

• 90 to 100 heads/ft2 will likely result in severe lodging.

Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 12

Head Count Effect on Yield

Princeton, 2003

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

0 50 100 150

Head Count per Square Foot

Yie

ld (

bu/acr

e)

Lexington, 2003

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

0 50 100 150

Head Counts per Square Foot

Yie

ld (

bu/acr

e)

Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky 13