Smut and bunt diseases are ever-present in Oregon and will cause yield losses if not controlled. Most common seed treatments are effective in controlling smuts if properly applied. For more information on seed treatments, see the latest version of the Pacific Northwest Disease Control Handbook . Use of variety mixtures is becoming more common as a means to address disease and environmental stress problems. Mixtures are more genetically diverse than single varieties and sometimes offer greater environmental and disease stress buffering.
Club mixtures for improved stripe rust control are in use.
Mixtures with Yamhill are being used on wet ground in western Oregon. Height and Lodging. Varieties differ in height and lodging resistance. Though generally correlated, taller varieties are not necessarily more prone to lodging. Lodging reduces both grain yield and grain quality.