Writer: Mary M. Porter, (972) 952-9232, m-porter@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. David Marshall, (972) 952-9252, d-marshall@tamu.edu
DALLAS – Wheat growers in the High Plains are following the lead of Blackland and Rolling Plains producers in planting a new variety, TAM 302, which has shown equal or better yields compared to other commercial hard red winter wheat varieties.
TAM 302, developed by Texas A&M small grains breeder Dr. David Marshall based in Dallas, is well adapted to all wheat-growing areas in the northern half of Texas, or roughly north of the 30th parallel.
“Probably most significant to wheat producers deciding which varieties to plant this year, it out-yielded all the check varieties by nine bushels per acre in our 99 field trials in Bushland, Texas,” said Marshall.
“We’ve seen more growers planting TAM 302 in the two years it’s been on the market. It looks very promising for the High Plains as well.
“In addition to its high grain yields, TAM 302 provides good protection against the common enemies of wheat — leaf rust, powdery mildew and yellow dwarf virus. It also shows good resistance to both the mosaic virus and Hessian fly.”
Marshall reports high grain yields for TAM 302 in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado and Kansas. It averages 30 inches in height, similar to Jagger and Hickok varieties. Its winter hardiness compares well to 2137, Ogallala and TAM 202; it tolerates acid soils and has no known problems with lodging or shattering.
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