Experimental design for each crop species at each location was a randomized complete block with four replications. Plots consisted of 7 rows spaced 7 inches apart and 20 feet long. Cultural and pest control practices used in each trial were as follows. Plots were limed and fertilized with P2O5 and K2O, according to soil test recommendations. Nitrogen was applied at 20 pounds per acre at planting and 80 and 45 pounds per acre in late February, for wheat and oats, respectively, except Verona, where 100 pounds were applied on the wheat test. Foliar fungicides were not applied, to insure that varieties were evaluated under conditions of maximum disease pressure. Herbicides, Hoelon and Harmony for wheat and Harmony alone for oats, were applied at each location, as needed, for broadleaf and grass weed control.
Source of Seed...Seed of all private entries were supplied by participating companies. Seed of all public varieties were Breeder or Foundation Seed from the state that developed the variety.
Planting Rate...All seeds were packaged for planting at the rate of 20 seeds per foot of row for both crops. Plots were planted with a cone, spinner-divider planter.
Yield...A plot combine was used to harvest the total plot area after the plots were trimmed to a standard length. Harvested seed were converted to bushels/acre (60 pounds/bushel for wheat and 32 pounds/bushel for oats).
Heading Date...The date when 50 percent of the heads were extended above the flag leaf.
Plant Height...The height of plants was measured from the soil to the top of the spike or panicle.
Lodging...Lodging was rated on a scale of 1 to 5.
Seed Test Weight...The test weight for each variety was determined from a composite sample from all replications.
Disease Ratings...All varieties were rated for development of leaf rust and Septoria leaf and glume blotch, according to James' Manual of Assessment Keys for Plant Diseases (see Appendix). At growth stages 10.5 (spikes emerged) and 11.1 (milky ripe), 10 plants were selected at random from each plot at each location. The percentage of leaf area affected by each disease on the flag leaf was recorded. From these data, an assessment was made of the overall disease response of each variety.