2022 Pulse and Special Crops Regional Variety Trials
ONE OF THE PILLARS of best management practices for every crop is selecting one or more varieties that are well-suited to your growing environment and spread production risk. The Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) continues to fund the pulse regional trials as the information generated empowers farmers to make informed decisions.
All data included in this publication is vetted for information gaps and accuracy. The trial cooperators are frequently contacted for further inputs and clarification. Data is statistically analysed. For data to be included in the tables the coefficient of variation must be less than 15 per cent. The data and trial information are posted on the Alberta Pulse app by mid-November. Multi-year data tables are generated to provide information on production potentials over several growing seasons.
Beginning in 2022 and moving forward, site information is compiled into soil zones (brown-irrigated, brown, black-short season, black-mid season and grey wooded). Click here to view a map of the soil zones for the newly tested varieties. Previously tested varieties remain grouped according to the APG zone structure. Click here to view a map of the Alberta Pulse Growers zones for the previously tested varieties.
Yield of the check variety is indicated in bold, with test varieties reported as a percentage of that check variety. All sites were inspected at three points during the growing season. Data were statistically analyzed to ensure validity. Please be aware that direct variety comparisons should only be made with the check.
The pulse regional variety trial (RVT) protocol is updated annually. The protocol includes site selection parameters, fertility requirements, seeding dates, inoculation, pesticides, and details for data collection. The trials are a randomized in complete block design with four replications. The sites are to be well maintained and suitable for viewing and photos throughout the growing season.
Along with funding it takes a team of dedicated people to establish a RVT program. There are many steps including: seed set-up, planting plots, maintaining plots, harvesting, and analysis. Thanks to all those involved in making this process work: The pulse RVT program is a collaborative initiative involving APG, Lakeland College, several crops research cooperators and AgCall. APG provides funding, direction and expertise. Research cooperators conduct the field variety testing. Lakeland College provides seed treating and distribution as well as managing four pulse RVT sites. AgCall provides project and data management, oversight, administration, and in-season site evaluations. A committee of dedicated seed variety contributors, plant breeders, pathologists, and researchers review and ensure the data is presented accurately.
All sites had adequate soil moisture during seeding resulting in good germination, emergence, and plant stands. An exception was the Lomond lentil RVT which had dry soil conditions at seeding resulting in uneven germination. During June, below average temperatures and an abundance of rain supported early crop development. This was followed by a hot and dry July, August, and September.
Publishable data was collected from 50 trials and 16 trials produced unpublishable data. For site specific data and results of the organic RVT pea trials, visit the APG website or view data on the app.
Questions about the tables or general pulse agronomy? Email Jenn Walker, [email protected] or connect with us on Twitter @APGResearch and @APGExtension.
DOWNLOAD SPECIAL CROPS RVT TABLES
