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Performance and stability of performance of spring wheat variety mixtures in organic and conventional management systems in western Canada

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 December 2008

A. H. E. E. KAUT ,
H. E. MASON ,
A. NAVABI ,
J. T. O'DONOVAN  and
D. SPANER
A. H. E. E. KAUT
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CanadaT6G 2P5
H. E. MASON
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CanadaT6G 2P5
A. NAVABI
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CanadaT6G 2P5 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, CanadaN1G 2W1
J. T. O'DONOVAN
Affiliation:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research Center, 6000 C&E Trail, Lacombe, AB, CanadaT4L 1W1
D. SPANER*
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CanadaT6G 2P5
*
*To whom all correspondence should be addressed. Email: [email protected]
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Summary

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety mixtures represent a relatively unexplored avenue for maintaining and stabilizing yield for both organic and conventional producers. The present study examined the responses of three Canadian western red spring wheat varieties in sole crop and in variety mixtures to varying levels of simulated and natural competition, as well as environmental stress at one conventionally and two organically managed locations in central Alberta, Canada, between 2003 and 2005. Three modern hard red spring wheat varieties (Superb, semi-dwarf; AC Intrepid, early maturing and 5600HR, tall), along with 13 two- and three-way variety mixtures, were planted under two levels of simulated weed (Brassica juncea L.) competition at each of the eight location-years. The B. juncea weed competition treatment decreased yields at all locations. Overall yield was lowest at the certified organic farm and highest under conventional management. Sole-crop semi-dwarf Superb and all three Superb–Intrepid mixture entries consistently yielded among the highest, regardless of management system, testing location or competition treatment. The 1:1 and 1:2 Superb–Intrepid mixture entries were the most stable of all entries tested. Early season vigour was strongly associated with yield, with the strongest correlation occurring under low-moisture, low-nutrient, high-competition conditions at the certified organic farm. Spring wheat variety mixtures may provide greater stability with little or no reduction in yield, while providing greater competitive ability.

Type
Crops and Soils
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 147 , Issue 2 , April 2009 , pp. 141 - 153
Copyright
Copyright © 2008 Cambridge University Press

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