In the 2015-2016 growing season, wheat grain yields were good but protein contents were low. Protein levels have never been so in the region.

Wheat planting began with adequate soil moisture. Water availability allowed good seedling and favored crop development. Only 19mm of rain were recorded in June, July and August but there was no water stress at critical growth stages.

Rains came back in early and mid September as well as in early October, favoring Fusarium ear wilt in susceptible cultivars. Grain filling was favored by timely rains.

It was a warmer year with very little frost (13 occurrences), when compared to the 48 historical occurrences.

There were early infestations that continued all along the crop cycle: leaf rust, stem rust, stem bacteriosis and, to a lesser extent, yellow spots and Fusarium ear attacks. Pests spread thanks to favorable humidity and temperatures, which added to the fact that planted cultivars lacked resistance. Infestation negatively impacted on yields and on grain commercial quality. The wheat varieties’ responses to infestations should be considered when selecting the most suitable cultivar.

Yield was good both in short and long cycle cultivars. Depending on the fungicide applied, performance ranged from 22 to 27%.

Little technology was applied resulting in large differences of minimum and maximum yields in the same region. Protein and gluten contents were also affected: high percentages of white belly (low protein index) due to little or no fertilization, bleaching or N washing. Nitrogen level was below average due to heavy rains produced by El Niño, high water tables, cloudy and cool days when grain was filling.

Hail damaged some wheat fields but yields in the core area were up to 50 qq/hectare. Average yields ranged from 27 quintals/h in Noetinger to 42 in Corral de Bustos, distributed as follows: 40 in Marcos Juarez, 38 in Bell Ville and 35 in Canals Rio Cuarto performance was below expectations. San Francisco had good yields and Villa Maria, from good to average.

In the central part of the country, severe storms brought abundant hail and damaging winds. Water excess hampered harvesting and increased grain weight losses. Hail led to total grain losses in some areas.

 

         SUBREGION DATA

In this sub region the wheat production was 707.051 tons., the 6,3 % of the national total. Were sampled 82.760 tons., the 11,7% of the sub region production.