Impact of Planting Date and Seeding Rate on Forage and Grain Yields of Dual‐Purpose Wheat in Central Texas

Core Ideas Planting date is more important than the seeding rate for maximizing forage and grain yields in a dual‐use system. Optimum planting date for maximizing forage yield is September to early October, whereas optimum planting date for maximizing grain yield is early November in central Texas. Optimum planting date for maximum returns is early to late September. Producers of central Texas can drop the seeding rate to 30 lb ac−1 without sacrificing forage and grain yield potential of dual purpose wheat. Planting date and seeding rate are important considerations for maximizing the forage and grain yields of dual‐purpose wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A 3‐year study was conducted to evaluate the effect of six planting dates (September through November in 2‐week intervals) and four seeding rates (30, 60, 90, and 120 lb acre−1) on forage and grain yields of dual‐purpose winter wheat. Earlier planting dates maximized forage yield and declined when planting date was delayed in all tested years (R2 = 0.9646). However, optimum planting date for maximum grain yield was early November. Based on economic analysis, optimum planting date for maximum returns was early to late September. Forage and grain yields of dual‐purpose wheat were unaffected by different seeding rates (P > 0.05). Based on the results, producers in central Texas can sow at 30 lb acre−1 without sacrificing forage and grain yield potential of dual‐purpose wheat. Growers of dual‐purpose wheat operating under different grazing requirements to central Texas may be able to maximize returns by planting at an appropriate time and reducing seeding rates.