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