EFFECT OF HARVEST TIME AND DRYING METHOD ON THE YIELD, QUALITY AND GRADE OF HARD RED SPRING WHEAT IN NORTHWEST ALBERTA

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Abstract
Two hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, Neepawa and Columbus, were harvested at 5% kernel moisture content (KMC) intervals from 45% to 15% for three growing seasons. Two drying treatments, field drying in windrows and oven drying were evaluated. Yield, test weight, 1000-kernel weight, protein-N, falling number and commercial grade were determined. Protein-N and 1000-kernel weight were reduced when the crop was harvested above 40% and 35% KMC, respectively, but were not affected by drying method. Yield losses up to 12% were recorded with windrowing. Windrowing at 35% KMC or less in warm, dry conditions had little effect on test weight, falling numbers, and grade. Under wet conditions, windrowing above 20% KMC resulted in lower falling numbers and a loss of grade. Direct combining and artificial drying above 20% KMC lowered test weights, falling numbers and grade. The current recommendation of windrowing at 35% KMC is supported under good harvest conditions but either windrowing or straight combining at 20% KMC would be superior under damp harvest conditions.Key words: Triticum aestivum L., kernel moisture content, drying method, falling number, quality, grade