Evaluation of dual-purpose wheat varieties in the Southeast United States

Objective: Dual-purpose wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) systems are commonly used in the Great Plains of the United States but are not often used in the Southeast. This study aimed to evaluate the viability of dual-purpose wheat management in the Southeast. Materials and Methods: Wheat varieties evaluated were generic feed type (unknown variety blend, Feed), seed type GA Gore (Seed), and 2 forage types, AGS 2024 (AGS) and Pioneer 26R41 (Pioneer). The experiment was a randomized complete block design (n = 4) conducted during the winters of 2021 and 2022. Three grazing frequencies were used: an ungrazed control (NG) and low-frequency (LF) or high-frequency (HF) grazing. Low- frequency plots received monthly grazing in January and February, whereas HF treatments received a third grazing in March. Destructive forage sampling occurred at monthly intervals. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS (v. 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC), with differences declared at P < 0.05. Ad hoc economic evaluation was performed for establishment costs and potential net returns. Results and Discussion: Before grazing, AGS herbage mass (2,660 kg/ha) was greater than all other varieties. Compared with all other varieties, AGS had greater ADF (24.9%) and least TDN (72.5%). Across grazing frequencies, Pioneer had greater final grain yield (3,620 kg DM/ ha), with Seed having the least (1,270 kg DM/ha). Dual purpose returns above costs were greatest for Pioneer. Implications and Applications: Results indicate that common southeastern wheat varieties can be successfully used in a dual-purpose management system.