Proponents of intensive wheat management list the use of fungicides, insecticides, higher nitrogen (N) rates and spring-split N rates among the necessities of a successful program. The objective of this study was to determine which of these components contribute the most to wheat grain yields of selected varieties. Field research was conducted for three years across two to four locations per year. Five wheat varieties were planted at each location using best management practices for establishment including planting at the optimum date, optimum rate, and the use of fungicide treated seed. Thirty lb N per acre was applied at planting along with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. A factorial arrangement of two N rates (90 and 115 lb per acre), spring split versus single shot N timings, plus or minus foliar fungicide, and plus or minus foliar insecticides were applied to each variety with three replications per location. The predominate yield benefit was derived from variety selection. Fungicides and insecticides were only occasionally significant, as were the effects of spring-split N timing. The higher N rate improved yields most of the time but only by a few bu per acre.
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