Harvest of the WSU Variety Testing low rainfall trials was completed on August 11, 2026, with the Horse Heaven location being the final site harvested. Harvest for low rainfall trials began on July 17, 2026, at the Almira location.
This year, the low rainfall testing program included seven locations, with Kahlotus added as a new site to represent Franklin County. Three locations hosted Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat trials, while all seven locations included Soft White Winter (SWW) and Traited Soft White (TSW, formerly CLOAX) trials.
Weather and field conditions created some challenges this season. The Ritzville location was terminated prior to harvest because of severe weed pressure. The Kahlotus and Douglas locations experienced poor emergence across many entries. Although those trials were harvested, the data were not included in the preliminary results list.
Overall, trial results showed higher yields, average test weights, reduced grain protein, and earlier heading dates compared with last year.
We sincerely thank our farmer cooperators, both returning and new, for partnering with us and hosting trial locations this season. We also extend our appreciation to the WSU Winter Wheat Breeding Program and the USDA Club Wheat Breeding Program teams for their assistance with planting, trial management, and harvest throughout the year.
Horse Heaven: Winter
August 11
he Horse Heaven winter site was planted on September 23, 2025, using a no-till drill at a seeding rate of 900,000 seeds per acre. The site included Soft White Winter (SWW), Traited Soft White (TSW), and Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat variety trials, with Garrett Moon serving as the cooperating grower. A base fertilizer application of 50N-6P-6S was applied for the SWW and TSW trials with a base application of 80N-10P-10S for the HRW trial. Spring applications included Huskie (20oz), Propiconazole (4oz), and Olympus (0.9oz). No concerns were identified regarding falling numbers, and no additional testing is planned.
Harrington: Winter
July 30
The Harrington winter trial site was planted on August 29, 2025, using a deep furrow drill at a seeding rate of 500,00 SD/AC. The site included the Soft White Winter (SWW) and Traited Soft White (TSW) wheat variety trials. The cooperating grower was Jordan Wagner. A fall herbicide application of Zidua (3.5 oz) was made on September 4, 2025. Spring applications included Huskie (12 oz), Widematch (4 oz), and Tilt (4 oz) a fungicide, on March 23, 2026, followed by Anthem Flex (3 oz) on April 2026. After the April herbicide application, many entries showed signs of crop stress, including yellowing, slower growth, delayed development, and reduced grain formation. Most entires recovered over time, but the degree of recovery differed among entries. These differences were documented and may be related to each variety’s tolerance to cold conditions.
There were low concerns for low falling numbers, primarily due to non-alpha-amylase induced low falling number (NAIL). Additional testing will be conducted through the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). Please note that Variety Testing trial results do not reflect the overall falling number performance of the surrounding area.
Almira: Winter
July 17
The Almira trial site was planted on September 4, 2025, using a no-till drill at a seeding rate of 900,000 SD/AC. The site included both the Soft White Winter (SWW) and Traited Soft White (TSW) wheat variety trials. The cooperating grower was Jesse Brunner. Fall herbicide applications included Zidua (3 oz) on September 8, 2025, and Huskie (12 oz) on October 29, 2025. Spring applications included Huskie (11 oz) and Tarzec (1 oz) on March 20, 2026, followed by Tilt (4 oz) a fungicide on April 3, 2026. The trial experienced significant grassy weed pressure, but the Variety Testing (VT) crew managed it effectively throughout the season. There were moderate concerns for low falling numbers, primarily due to late-maturity alpha-amylase (LMA). Additional testing will be conducted through the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). Please note that Variety Testing trial results do not reflect the overall falling number performance of the surrounding area.
Lind: Winter
July 14
The Lind trial site was planted on September 4, 2025, using a deep furrow drill at a rate of 500,000 SD/AC. The site included Soft White Winter (SWW), Traited Soft White (TSW), and Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat variety trials. The trial was conducted at the WSU Lind Research farm in cooperation with the onsite farm manager. The site received a total of 70N-5P-5S per acre during the growing season. Barrage herbicide was applied on March 23, 2026, for weed management. There were no falling number concerns for this location; no further testing will be conducted.
Kahlotus: Winter
July 13
Kahlotus was harvested on July 13, 2026. Analysis of the Kahlotus trial data indicated coefficients of variation (CVs) that were too high for publication. Emergence issues affected trial uniformity and significantly influenced the yield, test weight, and protein results.
Contributed by Alison Thompson. Please contact Tricia DeMacon with questions regarding the 2026 WSU Variety Testing Program.