2007 Test Conditions

Weather
Seedbeds throughout the state were dry at planting except in the southeast which may have delayed germination at some locations. Much of the state remained dry with deficits ranging from 12-16 inches in the southwest, west-central and some northeastern counties. An early season snowstorm in December helped to alleviate drought conditions in much of the state; however, these conditions persisted in the northwest where rain and snowfall were minimal. Temperatures were normal through the winter although several storms left the crop covered in ice for extended periods of time. March was the 3rd warmest March on record and the warmest in 61 years. Temperatures from March 21 through April 3rd were 14 to 16 degrees above normal and the wheat crop had greened up and jointed when a Artic cold front left the state with the coldest temperatures recorded in 118 years. On April 7th temperatures ranged from 17^o F in the northwest, 19^o F in the southwest and 19^o F at Columbia. Tests at Trenton, Columbia, Lamar, and Mt. Vernon were significantly hurt by these freezing temperatures as the crop had jointed. The harvest period was dry except in the southwest where harvest was delayed due to excessive rainfall.

Diseases
Although barley yellow dwarf virus was present at many locations, disease pressure was lower than normal because of relatively dry conditions. Bacterial stripe and black chaff caused by Xanthomonas transluscens were present and rated at Columbia.