HGCA Recommended List. Early Sown Winter Wheat Trials. Protocol

Transcription

1 PROTOCOL EARLY12-16 FEBRUARY 2011 HGCA Recommended List Early Sown Winter Wheat Trials Protocol This protocol was believed to comply with relevant agrochemical, environmental and other regulations at the time of writing but it is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that it continues to comply. In the event of non-compliance the protocol should not be followed but the Technical Manager should be notified at once of how the protocol requirements would breach regulations. Any deviation from this protocol other than under the circumstances described above may result in a breach of contract and should be agreed in advance. AHDB-HGCA, STONELEIGH PARK, KENILWORTH, WARWICKSHIRE, CV8 2TL Page 1

2 HGCA EARLY SOWN WINTER WHEAT RL TRIALS PROTOCOL Hyperlinks are provided for quick navigation of this document. To return to your original reading point, press Alt and the Left Arrow keys. PART 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION CONTACTS TRIAL DISTRIBUTION DESCRIPTION OF TRIAL SOIL TYPE DEFINITIONS TRIAL SPECIFICATIONS TRIAL DESIGN AND TREATMENTS... 5 PART 2 - THE TRIALS GENERAL SEE MAIN CEREAL PROTOCOL RANDOMISATION OF TRIALS SEE MAIN CEREAL PROTOCOL PLOT DIMENSIONS, DISCARDS AND SURROUND SEE MAIN CEREAL PROTOCOL TRIAL SEED DRILLING Target population: Seedrate calculation HUSBANDRY GUIDELINES Site Selection as main cereal protocol Timing of sowing Herbicides Fungicides Fertilisers Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) Pest control COMPLETION OF RECORDS Early data (Site data, location and plan details): Disease data Harvest data Agronomic data recording Disease assessment, recording and sampling for UKCPVS PART 3 - APPENDICES APPENDIX 1 - FUNGICIDE PROTOCOL APPENDIX 2 TO WINTER WHEAT EARLY SOWN TRIALS APPENDIX 3 - GROWTH STAGE KEY APPENDIX 4 - WINTER HARDINESS ASSESSMENT KEY APPENDIX 5 - FOLIAR DISEASE ASSESSMENT KEY APPENDIX 6 - EAR BLIGHT OF WHEAT KEY APPENDIX 7 - WHEAT GLUME BLOTCH KEY APPENDIX 8 - EYESPOT OF WHEAT KEY APPENDIX 9 - DETERMINATION OF DRY MATTER ON CEREALS APPENDIX 10 - DEADLINES AND MILESTONES Page 2

3 Part 1 - General information 1.1 Contacts Office postal address: AHDB-HGCA, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2TL Workbooks and all other data should be ed to trials@hgca.com RL Team contact details Technical Manager (This is the primary technical contact). Mr Bill Handley Tel: Fax: Mobile: bill.handley@hgca.com Database Executive (This is the primary contact for workbooks and other data issues). Mrs Joanne Soule Tel: Fax: E mail: trials@hgca.com Analysis & Publications Manager Mrs Claire Osborne Tel: Fax: E mail: claire.osborne@hgca.com Contracts & administration Ms Denise Lawson Tel: Fax: Mobile: E mail: denise.lawson@hgca.com RL Manager Dr Jim McVittie Tel: Mobile: E mail: jim.mcvittie@hgca.com Trial consultant (part-time) Mr Peter Hanson Mobile: E mail: peter.hanson@hgca.com Page 3

4 1.2 Trial distribution The Early Sown Winter Wheat trial series is intended to show the performance of a selection of winter wheat varieties when sown in late August or early September. The trials are to be grown at six sites giving a good geographic spread and a range of likely agronomic and disease scenarios. All management and inputs will be identical to other Recommended List trials, as will the data required from them if not otherwise specified in this protocol. Early Sown Winter wheat trial sites: RL Trial ID WW507 WW533 WW534 WW535 WW518 WW530 See HGCA RL trial and pack options for operators.xls for full details. Each site will receive a 3 rep treated yield trial and 1 rep disease observation plots (DOPs) not taken to yield. The varieties to be included will be determined by HGCA. 1.3 Description of trial The Early-sown yield trials will be a three replication, incomplete plot design, which should receive a full fungicide programme and plant growth regulators. A single disease observation plot (DOP) will also be grown to provide disease infection data. The DOPs must be untreated with fungicide but should receive the same full plant growth regulator treatment as the yield trial. 1.4 Soil type definitions As per main cereal protocol. 1.5 Trial specifications The trials must be sown within the period 25 th August to the 14 th September. Page 4

5 The optimum time of sowing is the first week of September but it is accepted that it may be necessary to sow in the last week of August if seedbed conditions are good and the weather forecast is not. The trials must not be sown after 14 th September. 1.6 Trial design and treatments The Technical Manager will generate trial layouts. They will be transferred to the appropriate trial centres in electronic format as Excel workbooks. Instructions concerning the recording and transfer of data will be issued separately. Fungicide and PGR treatments are to be applied to the yield trial and PGR only to the DOPs. These form part of the trial contract and may constitute a breach of the contract if not adhered to. The special protocols for use until January 2012 are given in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2. Protocols are reviewed and updated in December and revised versions will be circulated for use after this time. Part 2 - The Trials 2.1 General see main cereal protocol 2.2 Randomisation of trials see main cereal protocol 2.3 Plot dimensions, discards and surround see main cereal protocol 2.4 Trial seed Bulks of seed sufficient to sow the specified trials will be sent to trial managers direct from suppliers by 20 th August. It is the responsibility of individual trial managers to obtain seed for the area immediately surrounding the trial. Trial seed will be pre-treated with appropriate seed treatment.. It is the responsibility of each trial manager to prepare plot packets from the bulk of seed supplied and to ensure that the correct plant population is achieved. Variety names, codes, thousand seed weight and germination information will be sent to trial managers, usually by . Surplus trial seed may be bulked together and used for discard and buffer plots or filling in but for no other purpose without the prior consent of the Technical Manager. 2.5 Drilling The amount of seed sown per plot must be adjusted according to the thousand seed weight and germination for each individual seed lot Target population: The target population (in the spring) is 120 plants per m 2. Page 5

6 2.5.2 Seedrate calculation The germination % of the submitted seed will be supplied to allow the trial managers to calculate the seedrate. Trial managers should estimate the likely establishment % based on the prevailing weather and seedbed conditions. The following formulae may be used to calculate the amount of seed to be sown. Seed rate (kg/ha) = (( 1 target population * thousand seed weight) * 100) / ( 1 establishment % * germination %) Drilled plot area = drilled plot length (m) x drilled plot width (number of drilled rows x inter row dimension (m)). Weight of seed per plot (grams) = Seed rate (kg/ha) x Drilled plot area / 10 1 The target population is that achieved in the spring. The establishment% figure should take into account any losses that are considered likely over the winter. 2.6 Husbandry guidelines Site Selection as main cereal protocol Timing of sowing The trials must be sown within the period 25 th August to the 14 th September (the trial must not be sown after 14 th September). The preference is for sowing to take place in the first week of September Herbicides As main cereal protocol but trial managers should be aware of the increased weed burden likely with very early sowing Fungicides See Appendix 1. Fungicides must be applied to the treated yield trials only not the DOPs. The fungicide protocol will be based on the programme devised for standard winter wheat trials but modified to meet the added risks attached to early sowing. This includes an autumn spray. There may also be adjustments to the timing of spring applications to ensure that advanced crops are suitably protected. In principle, fungicide applications should be made when the majority of varieties are at the correct stage for treatment unless specified otherwise by the fungicide protocol. Note in the diary sheet if the growth stage of any variety(ies) is/are notably different at the time of application. The fungicide protocol is reviewed annually and circulated at the beginning of the calendar year (the protocol for use until January 2012 is given in Appendix 1). Page 6

7 2.6.5 Fertilisers End-user quality samples will not be taken from these trials and so there is no requirement to apply extra (late) nitrogen to boost grain protein content. Otherwise the protocol is as for RL trials Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) See Appendix 2. PGR should be applied to the treated yield trial and the DOPs. The PGR protocol will be based on the programme devised for standard winter wheat trials but this will be modified to meet the added lodging risks attached to early sowing The PGR protocol is reviewed annually and circulated at the beginning of the calendar year (the protocol for use until January 2012 is given in Appendix 2). In principle, PGR applications should be made when the majority of varieties are at the correct stage for treatment. Note in the diary sheet if the growth stage of any variety(ies) is/are notably different at the time of application. There are restrictions on the use of plant growth regulators in ALL crops, as well as special directions for their use specifically in variety trials. The manufacturer s instructions should be followed. Any departure from the protocol must be reported to the Technical Manager Pest control Trial managers should be vigilant to the extra risk of pest damage (e.g. BaYDV via aphids) from early sowings and be prepared to take appropriate action. Trials seed will be treated with an insecticide but it is expected that autumn application(s) of pesticide(s) will also be necessary. If the trial is in jeopardy, effective control measures e.g. netting, insecticides, molluscicides must be applied to the whole trial. 2.7 Completion of records Sheets in the trial workbook should be used to record all data. A macro has been developed to assist in the return of data: this automatically selects the required sheets and saves them to another workbook: it is this new workbook (automatically named) that should be returned to trials@hgca.com A detailed user-guide for the workbooks and macros is available separately and macros should be used to facilitate the return of data. Completed data should be returned to trials@hgca.com in two batches: Report Deadline Sheets to be returned (return only these sheets: DO NOT return the whole workbook) Page 7

8 1) Early data As soon as possible and within 2 months of sowing. Early data plot recording sheet. Site data. Map of area. Field layout sketch. Trial layout. Trial diary. 2) Disease data 11 th July. Disease data recording sheet. Trial diary update. 3) Harvest data As soon as possible after harvest and no later than 5 days after harvest. All outstanding plots data. Harvest data recording sheet. Lodging trial sheets where relevant. Agchem details. Trial diary update. Plots data sheets contain columns for records likely to be undertaken during the recording period. Any additional recording columns will be supplied in a separate file: these additional recording columns should be pasted whole into the relevant data sheet using the Copy/paste function (i.e. select the column then copy and paste the whole column) Early data (Site data, location and plan details): This information should be returned shortly after full establishment and within one month of sowing. This report should include: Page 8 Confirmation of sowing to plan or full details of any changes to plan. This should be done by clearly highlighting the changes in the sheet Trial plan 2 contained in the workbook. On receipt of the returned workbook the Database Executive will ensure that the plan has been modified correctly and that the de-randomising features of the workbook are working correctly. If necessary, a modified workbook will then be returned for use by the trial manager. Completed site data 1 sheet. Please note the date of brairding, i.e. when all rows can clearly be seen in all plots. Map of area. Site location details i.e. how to get to the field by road. Field layout sketch. Sketch showing the layout of the trial(s) in the field, in relation to other trials and showing access roads, gates etc. Trial layout. Trial sketch showing plot numbers and variety IDs. Early plot data, such as establishment and early vigour. A short post-establishment report of the condition of the trial in the diary sheet A general note of the date of brairding, i.e. when all rows can clearly be seen Disease data

9 To be recorded in the Disease Observation Plots and returned by 11 th July. Timing of assessments: Autumn At or slightly before GS 31 GS GS Record foliar disease if moderate infections (around 5%) occur in any plot. Record foliar disease if moderate infections (around 5%) occur in any plot. An assessment of foliar disease is required if moderate infections (around 5% in untreated plots or 2% in treated plots) develop in any plot. Assess all foliar diseases that reach 5% infection in any one plot during this period. The precise timing is best judged by the Trial Manager in relation to disease development. It may be appropriate to assess different diseases at different stages within this period (e.g. mildew might be better assessed relatively early and brown rust late). When assessing diseases, also record the percentage green leaf area (GREEN LEAF AREA%) remaining on the leaves being assessed Harvest data To be submitted as soon as possible after harvest and no later than 5 days after harvest. This will contain most of the plot data, including winter hardiness, flowering and straw character variates, yield, dry matter and other records (e.g. late disease) taken close to harvest. Lodging trial data will be returned at this time. Details of agrochemical inputs should be returned in the Agchem sheet. Any notes (especially factors that may affect the validity of the trial) made since the first submission of data should be shown on the trial diary sheet, which should also be returned Agronomic data recording The list below details the records required and the scales that should be used. Data should be recorded in the Excel recording sheets within the trial workbooks. De-rand : a de-randomising facility will allow you to conduct an initial validation of the data. The growth stage must be recorded for each observation. The correct growth stage key is given in Appendix 3. Plot numbers and variety codes must correspond to those on the trial plan within the workbook. In order to make records comparable across sites, it is essential that the names and units used should be as indicated in capital letters below. Records of other characters will be processed and stored but may not be used. Data should be taken from all plots unless noted to the contrary. Page 9

10 Characters and Scales: Characters to be recorded are listed below. They are listed as:- 1. Obligatory, where the trials must be scored routinely even though the character may be scored at zero for the whole trial - particularly useful in characters such as lodging. 2. Selected sites, where records are required from a sub-set of the UK trials only. The list of trial sites from which data are required are listed below. 3. If present, e.g. disease. 4. Optional, at the discretion of the trials manager. Agronomic characters: WINTER HARDINESS (1-9) Obligatory, from all plots. After any period of cold weather, varieties should be scored on a 1-9 scale where 9 = no damage. See Appendix 4. GROWTH STAGE 31 Obligatory. Record the approximate date on which each variety reaches GS31. Under certain conditions when sown very early, some varieties may reach this stage in the late autumn/winter. Only one rep needs to be assessed. It is hoped that this will give an indication of the relative speed at which varieties change from the vegetative to the reproductive stage. STRAW LENGTH(cm) Do not record unless considered relevant for validation purposes. LODGING% Obligatory, from all plots Where areas of the plot have gone down from the base of the plant to an angle greater than 45º to the vertical. Lodging should be recorded immediately it occurs, as there may be observable differences at this stage that cannot later be seen. Later assessment may be considered valuable and an assessment at harvest must always be made even where no lodging is observed (i.e. all values are 0). An additional record must be made at harvest even if the character has been recorded previously. Trial managers should routinely check for eyespot during recording and note whether or not it is present in the plots recorded. STEM LODGING% *obligatory, from all plots ROOT LODGING% *obligatory, from all plots There are two types of lodging: stem lodging and root lodging. Root lodging is the result of a failure below ground. The whole root structure moves as forces acting on the plant above ground Page 10

11 overcome the plants anchorage, allowing the plant to fall. Where lodging and/or leaning has occurred examine the plots and assess what proportion of the lodging is above ground (stem) or below ground (root) lodging. This record does not replace the standard lodging and leaning scores and the sum total of root and stem lodging must equal the total lodging score. *The differentiation between these two types of lodging may not be possible where both types are present within plots. Advise the Technical Manager if this is the case. DATE OF GS55 (EAR EMERGENCE) Obligatory. Records for this character must be taken from all yield plots. Record the date on which 50% of ears are fully emerged from the leaf-sheath (GS 55). Plots should be recorded twice or three times per week. It is likely that the majority of varieties in the trial will reach this stage over a twoweek period. RIPENING DATE Obligatory. Records for this character must be taken from all yield plots. Assessed when the grain is first hard, difficult to divide by thumbnail (Growth stage 91). The crop may not necessarily be ready to cut at this stage. The date should be given numerically as day, month, and year and written in full for each plot. Example: 02/07/12 Ripening date can be assessed as described below. The assessment should take place where the earliest variety is at growth stage 91. Use a 1-9 scale to record maturity: Ripe 2 days 4 days 6 days 8 days 10 days 12 days 14 days 16 days later later later later later later later later Record each plot in the trial on the 1 to 9 scale. A second visit to confirm the earlier observation would be advisable. Convert the 1 to 9 scale to dates. PLEASE SEND IN THE RIPENING DATES NOT THE 1-9 ASSESSMENTS. Example Plot Score (2/8/11) Estimated ripening date /08/ /08/ /08/ /08/ /08/ /08/12 Page 11

12 BIRD DAMAGE(1-9) Obligatory. Assessments must be made even if all values are 9 (no losses) to assist in validation. A record must be made at harvest even if the character has been recorded previously. %WHITEHEADS WHOLE PLOTS If present, from all plots Record the occurrence of whiteheads within the trial. Note the likely cause(s) of the whiteheads (especially if the cause appears to be eyespot). SHEDDING(1-9) Obligatory. An assessment must be made even if all values are 9 (no losses) to assist in validation. A record must be made at harvest even if the character has been recorded previously. Estimate the number of grains lost per m 2 for the plot(s) with the most losses so that the approximate yield loss can be estimated. A record must be made at harvest even if the character has been recorded previously. SPROUTING% Obligatory. Assessments must be made even if all values are 9 (no losses) to assist in validation. If sprouting is seen in harvested samples, the quality analysis co-ordinator should be informed so that the reference samples from the trial can be scored for sprouting damage. COMBINE LOSSES(1-9) Obligatory. Assessments must be made even if all values are 9 (no losses) to assist in validation. A record must be made at harvest even if the character has been recorded previously. Combine losses must be assessed if the losses are thought sufficient to exclude the yield data from results. Estimate the number of grains lost per m 2 for the plot(s) with the most losses so that the approximate yield loss can be estimated. HARVEST DATE Obligatory, from all plots where the trial is not harvested on one day. Record in the format dd/mm/yyyy. YIELD(KG) and DRY MATTER% As for RL trials Disease assessment, recording and sampling for UKCPVS Page 12

13 See disease assessment section of main RL cereal protocol. Samples should be taken for the UKCPVS if appropriate. Page 13

14 Part 3 - Appendices Appendix 1 - Fungicide protocol HGCA Recommended List Trials Fungicide Protocol for Early Sown Cereal Variety Trials 2011 (not for application to National List or standard Recommended List trials) January 2011 Technical Manager: Bill Handley Recommendations by Dr Jim McVittie, BASIS registration number: R/E/2632 This programme is for use ONLY on the HGCA Recommended List winter wheat early sown trial series in 2011 (spring and summer applications to 2010/11 trials and autumn applications to 2011/12 trials). It is an experimental protocol and is designed to meet the protocol aim of keeping disease levels in treated plots below 5% infection in all varieties and in all trials. It is not intended to follow commercial practise. Please note that most treatments are now compulsory and the rates and timings specified should be adhered to as closely as possible. The protocol is robust and, if applied correctly, should be effective: if, however, disease levels rise above 5% (e.g. if weather conditions do not allow optimal application), please contact Bill Handley to discuss an appropriate course of action. Fungicides must be applied at the stated dose rates unless agreed otherwise with the regional advisors via the RL Technical Manager. Changes to dose rates will only be sanctioned in exceptional circumstances, such as drought-stressed trials under low disease pressure. Please contact the RL Technical Manager or NL Coordinator if you have any difficulty in sourcing a particular product. In some cases, two or more products may be available from a company with the same active substances and formulation (e.g. Opus and Epic); if you wish to use such a product and it is not listed in this protocol, contact the RL Technical Manager or NL Coordinator. Generic products should be avoided as they may contain the same active substances but in a different formulation. Important. Every care has been taken to ensure that all mixtures, rates and timings are approved, meeting COSSH regulations and manufacturer s guidelines. However, it is the responsibility of the trial manager to ensure that they meet all current regulations at the time of application. The Technical Manager must be notified of any conflict between the protocol and current regulations. Page 14

15 In accordance with FRAC guidelines, only two applications of strobilurin fungicides are to be applied to any crop. Page 15

16 Products, active substances and manufacturers Product Active substance Manufacturer Aviator 235 Xpro bixafen + prothioconazole Bayer Bravo 500 chlorothalonil Syngenta Comet 200 pyraclostrobin BASF Flexity metrafenone BASF Opus / Epic epoxiconazole BASF Proline 275 prothioconazole Bayer Talius proquinazid DuPont Tern fenpropidin Syngenta Tracker boscalid + epoxiconazole BASF Winter wheat EARLY SOWN TRIALS Autumn October Opus (0.5 l/ha) T0 If there is disease infection between the autumn application and T0, consult the Technical Manager. GS 30 (as the majority of varieties reach GS30 but not before mid-february) Tracker (1.0 l/ha) + Talius (0.15 l/ha) T1 GS 32 (most varieties at GS32) but no later than 4 weeks after application T0. Optional, if mildew established Proline 275 (0.72 l/ha) + Bravo 500 (1.0 l/ha) + Flexity (0.5 l/ha) +Tern (0.5 l/ha) T2 Compulsory at GS and no later than 4 weeks after application T1. Optional, if mildew established Aviator 235 Xpro (1.0 l/ha) + Talius (0.15 l/ha) +Tern (0.5 l/ha) T3 Compulsory at GS Proline 275 (0.72 l/ha) + Comet 200 (0.75 l/ha) 16

17 Appendix 2 to winter wheat early sown trials HGCA Recommended List Trials Plant growth regulator protocol for Early Sown Cereal Variety Trials 2011 (not for application to National List or standard Recommended List trials) The following notes are given for guidance in the use of plant growth regulators on Recommended List trials. The full manufacturer instructions should be consulted prior to the storage, handling or use of any agrochemical product. Plant growth regulator should be applied to all early sown winter wheat fungicide treated yield trials and untreated DOPs. There are important restrictions relating to the use of plant growth regulators. Crop damage can occur if the manufacturer s guidelines are not followed. Common restrictions are those relating to crops that: are sited on soils of low fertility are suffering from herbicide damage are under stress from drought, waterlogging or any other cause. were sown in the very late spring Trial managers should consult the manufacturer s instructions to see if any of these restrictions apply. General guidance and notes specific to the use of PGRs on variety trials Products must be used according to current manufacturer s instructions. It is the responsibility of the trial manager to ensure that the growth stages of all of the varieties in the trial are within the manufacturer s guidelines for use. The following notes are intended to highlight matters of particular relevance to the use of PGR products on variety trials. Winter wheat Timing Rate & timing When the majority of varieties are in the New 5C 1.25 l/ha range GS25-29 and not before the beginning of February. When the majority of varieties are in the New 5C 1.25 l/ha l/ha range GS31-32 When the majority of varieties are in the *Terpal 0.75 l/ha (adjust depending on lodging risk and range **GS32-37 condition of the crop) at GS32-37 Moddus. In high lodging risk situations and if applied at GS30, Moddus may be added at l/ha. Later applications may also be permissible contact the Technical Manager. *Apply Terpal at 0.75 l/ha routinely. The rate may be adjusted under certain circumstances: a) Very high lodging risk: the rate can be increased up to a maximum of 1.75 l/ha. b) Low lodging risk: the rate may be reduced. c) Do not apply Terpal if the crop is suffering from herbicide damage or physical stress caused (eg) by waterlogging, drought, take-all. **Terpal should not be applied if, on any variety in the trial, the leaf sheaths have split and the ears are visible. 17

18 Do not apply in temperatures above 21 o C. Appendix 3 - Growth stage key SEEDLING GROWTH TILLERING 10 first leaf through coleoptile 20 main shoot only 11 first leaf unfolded 21 main shoot and 1 tiller 12 2 leaves unfolded 22 main shoot and 2 tillers 13 3 leaves unfolded 23 main shoot and 3 tillers 14 4 leaves unfolded 24 main shoot and 4 tillers 15 5 leaves unfolded 25 main shoot and 5 tillers 16 6 leaves unfolded 26 main shoot and 6 tillers 17 6 leaves unfolded 27 main shoot and 7 tillers 18 8 leaves unfolded 28 main shoot and 8 tillers 19 9 or more leaves unfolded 29 main shoot and 9 or more tillers STEM ELONGATION BOOTING 30 Ear at 1 cm 41 flag leaf sheath extending 31 1st node detectable 43 boots just visibly swollen 32 2nd node detectable 45 boots swollen 33 3rd node detectable 47 flag leaf sheath opening 34 4th node detectable 49 first awns visible 35 5th node detectable 36 6th node detectable 37 flag leaf just visible 39 flag leaf ligule/collar just visible INFLORESCENCE (EAR EMERGENCE) ANTHESIS 51 First spikelet of inflorescence just visible 60 beginning of anthesis 52 ¼ of inflorescence emerged ½ of inflorescence emerged 64 anthesis half-way 57 ¾ of inflorescence emerged inflorescence completed 68 anthesis completed 69 MILK DEVELOPMENT DOUGH DEVELOPMENT 71 caryopsis watery ripe 83 early dough 73 early milk 85 soft dough 75 medium milk 87 hard dough 77 late milk RIPENING 91 caryopsis hard (difficult to divide by thumb-nail) 92 caryopsis hard (can no longer be dented by thumb-nail) 93 caryopsis loosening in daytime Reference: Tottman D R, Broad H (1987), Decimal Code for the Growth Stages of Cereals Annals of Applied Biology 100,

19 Appendix 4 - winter hardiness assessment key 1-9 scale A high figure shows good resistance to winter hardiness. 1 76% to 100% of plants dead. 2 Very severe leaf damage, 51% to 75% of plants dead. 3 Very severe leaf damage, 26% to 50% of plants dead. 4 Severe leaf damage, up to 25% of plants dead. 5 Severe leaf damage and a few dead plants. 6 Severe leaf tipping 7 Moderate leaf tipping 8 Slight to very slight leaf tipping 9 No damage Note: Damage is frequently not apparent until several days after the end of a cold period. 19

20 Appendix 5 - Foliar disease assessment key 1) Examine top 4 leaves. If top leaf has been fully expanded for less than 14 days, refer to 2nd leaf as 'top leaf'. 2) Ignore all naturally senescent leaf tissue. 3) Include all chlorosis and necrosis attributable to disease. 4) Record % infection; use interpolated values (e.g. 3%) if necessary. Disease may be recorded on a 1-9 scale but the data must be submitted as a percentage score. Both scales are given in the assessment keys. 5) If foci present, record average over the plot as a whole. 1-9 scale % MILDEW YELLOW RUST BROWN RUST Infection 1 0 No infection observed pustules per tiller 1 stripes per tiller 25 pustules per tiller pustules per leaf 2 stripes per leaf 100 pustules per leaf lower leaves appear ¼ infected Most tillers infected but some top leaves Top leaf - numerous pustules but leaves lower leaves appear ½ infected uninfected All leaves infected but leaves appear green overall 6 25 Leaves appear ½ infected ½ green 7 50 Leaves appear more infected than green 8 75 Very little green leaf tissue left Leaves dead - no green tissue left appear green overall Top leaf - pustules sufficiently dense to give brown appearance in patches 1-9 scale % SEPTORIA RHYNCHOSPORIUM NET BLOTCH Infection 1 0 No infection observed lesion per 10 tiller 1 lesion per 10 tillers 1 small lesion per 10 tillers small lesions per tiller 1 lesion per tiller 1 small lesion per tiller 4 5 Small lesions beginning to form areas of dead tissue across width of leaf Discrete lesions on most tillers, about 2 per leaf 2 lower leaves appear ¼ infected. Other leaves - few lesions lower leaves - large areas of diseased tissue some covering 1/3 of leaf Lesions coalescing but leaves appear green overall 6 25 Leaves appear ½ infected ½ green 7 50 Leaves appear more infected than green 8 75 Very little green leaf tissue left Leaves dead - no green tissue left NIAB-TAG, Cambridge CB3 OLE 2 lower leaves appear ½ infected. Other leaves - numerous lesions 20

21 Appendix 6 - Ear blight of wheat key EAR BLIGHT OF WHEAT (Fusarium spp.) KEY No. 13 Notes of assessment 1) Carry out the assessment between GS ) Select 20 ears at random from each plot. 3) Estimate the percentage area infected on individual ears using the illustrations above as a guide. 4) Record the mean value from the 20 assessments. For further details see Parry D W, Bayles R A & Priestley R H (1984). Resistance of winter wheat varieties to Ear Blight (Fusarium culmorum). Journal the National Institute of Agricultural Botany 16, NIAB-TAG, Cambridge CB3 OLE 21

22 Appendix 7 - Wheat glume blotch key Wheat Glume Blotch (Septoria nodorum Berk.) Key No Percentage of ear affected Notes: 1. Crops may be examined at any growth stage after GS 60 if glume blotch has appeared. 2. Assess 30 ears selected at random from each plot. 3. Assess the % ear affected on both sides of the ear and record a mean figure for that ear. Interpolate if necessary, e.g., if an ear falls between 10 and 25% give it a score in between, say, 15-20%. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Publications), Tolcarne Drive, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 2DT 22

23 Appendix 8 - Eyespot of wheat key Key No. 12 Eyespot of Wheat (Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides) Infection category Disease severity description 0 Uninfected. 1 Slight eyespot (one or more small lesions occupying less than half the circumference of the stem). 2 Moderate eyespot (one or more lesions occupying at least half the circumference of the stem) 3 Severe eyespot (stem completely girdled with lesions; tissue softened so that lodging would readily occur). Notes of assessment 1) Examine 20 tillers per plot. 2) Assign each tiller to one of the infection categories above. 3) Write the number of tillers in each category on the record sheet. 4) An index will be calculated from the data as follows: Disease index = (0 x a) + (1 x b) + (2 x c) + (3 x d) x 100 (a + b + c + d) 3 Where a, b, c and d are the number of tillers examined which fall into the categories 0, 1, 2, and 3 respectively. For further details, see Scott, P R and Hollins, T W (1975). Effects of eyespot on the yield of winter wheat. Annals of Applied Biology 78, NIAB-TAG, Cambridge CB3 OLE

24 Appendix 9 - Determination of Dry Matter on Cereals Oven Method Principle: Samples are dried until constant mass is achieved. For expediency it is permissible to dry samples for a fixed time provided it can be demonstrated that this is sufficient to reliably achieve constant mass for samples even when the chosen apparatus is fully loaded with samples. Apparatus and Equipment: Oven. Electrically heated and controlled in such a way that, during normal working, the mean temperature of the air and of the shelves carrying the test samples is 100 C and operates within the range C. The oven must be regularly maintained and regularly checked for correct operation. Sample drying trays. Durable under test conditions and being of a size which enables the test sample to be distributed evenly within the tray and at depth which does not protract the drying time. Balance. Accuracy 0.1g ± 0.05g. The balance must be regularly serviced and calibrated. Frequent checks on its correct operation must be made during the period when the balance is in use. Method: The test samples are received direct from the combine in hermetically sealed bags or containers. Weigh a fully representative 100g sub-sample or an accurately recorded catch-weight between g and place into the drying tray with an identifying label. Place the drying trays containing the test samples into the pre-heated oven. Dry the test samples for the pre-determined period or until constant mass is achieved (see below). Remove the test samples from the oven and record the dry weight of the test sample to 0.1g. If achievement of constant mass is to be directly measured, five check samples should be removed from a range of positions within the oven after a period of about 16 hours. The dry weight of these samples should be recorded as above. The check samples should be returned to the oven and dried for a further 2 hours and the dry weight again recorded. A dry matter content of less than 0.3% between the two determinations will be accepted as representing constant mass. If constant mass has not been achieved, the check samples should be returned to the oven for further periods of two hours until constant mass is observed. Results: The dry matter content of the test sample is calculated as follows; Dry Matter (%) = Dry test sample weight X 100 Original test sample weight Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) 24

25 An alternative method for wheat and barley is the use of an NMR instrument. The instrument must be calibrated against the standard oven method detailed in 1 and 2 above. Each year following the year of calibration, at least 100 samples must be analysed by both NMR and the standard oven method to confirm the calibration. If the standard error or prediction of oven values by NMR exceeds 0.2, the NMR instrument must be re-calibrated for that season. Electronic moisture analyser (moisture meter) Principles: Moisture analysers, either separate instruments or probes on combines, may be used for determining the dry matter of harvested grain. There are no restrictions on the make or model of moisture analyser that may be used, provided the conditions described below are met. The manufacturer's recommendations for use must be followed. On-combine analysis must only be carried out on equipment specifically manufactured for this purpose. 'Desk-top' analysers should not be used on the combine because it has been shown that heat and vibration can cause inaccuracy. Equipment: The analysing equipment must: be regularly calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions using check samples (see reference below) and have a moisture content accuracy of plus/minus 0.5%. The calibration data should be retained for a minimum of 1 year. be serviced regularly, especially just prior to harvest, according to manufacturer recommendations. The action taken should be documented and the information held for a minimum of 1 year. be fit for use in accordance with manufacturer instructions. It should have an adequate power supply throughout operation. Instructions should be held with the machine and all operators adequately trained in its operation. In the field: The determination of dry matter should be the same for all plots in a trial replicate. For this reason, there should be minimal risk of rainfall during the harvest of a replicate. If there is a significant risk then backup samples should be taken from all plots to allow comparison through the oven method or NMR. The grain samples to be analysed must be between 83 and 88% dry matter (12 to 17% moisture content). If it is possible that samples in a replicate may fall outside this range, samples must be taken from all plots so that the oven method or NMR may be used should it be necessary. Suitable polythene bags or plastic pots and labels should be obtained locally and made available at all times during the harvest to allow this to be carried out. The grain to be analysed must be fully ripe with no green ears/grains in any sample. In these cases the samples for the oven method or NMR should be used. References: BS :1990, ISO 7700/ Method of checking the calibration of moisture meters for cereals. 25

26 Appendix 10 - Deadlines and milestones HGCA RECOMMENDED LIST EARLY SOWN TRIALS - DEADLINES AND MILESTONES It is required that HGCA trials will be grown to the highest standards and that contractors will give them priority. Failure to meet the trial specification without good reason will be a breach of the contract and could result in reduced or no payment of the agreed fee for that trial. If any operation, for example drilling, disease recording or harvesting, are delayed or carried out in poor conditions, it is the responsibility of the contractor to inform the Technical Manager and to explain the reasons for the delay/ problem. Failure to inform the Technical Manager will constitute a breach of the contract. Failure to return data and / or samples by these deadlines without good reason will constitute a breach of contract. Report Deadline Report 1a) Site data As soon as possible and within 2 months of sowing. Site data. Map of area. Field layout sketch. Trial layout. Trial diary. 1b) Early plot data Early data plot recording sheet (if recorded). Report 2 Disease data Report 3 Harvest data By 11 th July. Disease data recording sheet. DOP trial sheets where relevant. Trial diary update. Note that since there is no untreated trial or DOPs, we expect disease data only in exceptional circumstances from the treated trial. As soon as possible after harvest and no later than 5 days after harvest. All Outstanding plot data. Harvest data recording sheet. Lodging trial sheets where relevant. Agrochemical details. Trial diary update. Responses to trial queries Response to or telephone queries from the Technical Manager during the season Response to or telephone queries from the Technical Manager after the trial has been harvested Quality samples Grain quality samples Physical quality (wheat) All other samples 14 days after the request or by harvest if this is sooner 1 working day Not normally required from this trial series. Not normally required from this trial series. Not normally required from this trial series. 26