Recent weather could affect wheat quality

From smallgrains.wsu.edu

As wheat harvest gets started in Washington, recent rainfall and cool temperatures have some growers worried about Mother Nature’s fickle ways with their crop.  Rainfall close to harvest can result in preharvest sprouting, which can negatively affect wheat quality. Dr. Camille Steber, USDA-ARS plant geneticist, explains the potential effects of recent rains on this year’s wheat crop and what growers can do to manage this risk.

The Hagberg-Perten Falling Number test is used to measure starch damage due to sprout.  Low FN is used as an indicator that grain contains a high level of alpha-amylase, an enzyme that degrades starch leading to poor end-use quality of wheat products. Grain with an FN below 300 seconds is typically discounted in the Pacific Northwest. Read more here.