Weed, disease and grain yield effects of cultivar mixtures in organically managed spring wheat

J. C. Pridham, M. H. Entz, R. C. Martin and P. J. Hucl

Abstract
Two heritage wheat cultivars, Red Fife and Marquis, along with two modern wheat cultivars, 5602HR and AC Barrie, were assessed in organically managed monocultures and mixtures to discern if mixtures provided a benefit to grain yield and disease and weed suppression in Manitoba over 3 site-years.

5602HR was the highest yielding sole cultivar, while Marquis and AC Barrie were the lowest yielding sole cultivars. Red Fife yielded similar to the modern cultivar 5602HR in several cases. Cultivar mixtures did not provide a yield advantage but did stabilize yields of mixtures containing disease susceptible cultivars.


Source
Canadian Journal of Plant Science (2007) 87: 855–859


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Posted April 2008