Wheat acreage worldwide is expected to reach 221 million hectares in 2009, down 1.8 percent from 2008, according to the International rain Council (IGC). 

Plantings are expected to decline despite good progress in seeding activity in the Northern Hemisphere this autumn, said IGC.

Acreage in the five leading exporting countries was expected to fall 2.6 percent to 75.2 million hectares, as farmers switch to alternative crops after this year's large harvest.

The IGC said wet weather in the southern Plains caused delays in the US, but conditions were improving for the emerging crop. Delays in rapeseed harvesting in Canada have set back wheat planting there.

Good conditions prevailed in the EU, but declines in ex-farm price may reduce wheat area, said the IGC.

Warm weather in Russia and Eastern Europe promoted extra winter grain growth ahead of dormancy. Heavy rains in Ukraine delayed plantings and lower prices and higher input costs were expected to reduce planted areas.

The IGC said China enjoyed good planting weather except in the northern regions where work was delayed by wet weather.

India may plant more wheat due to an expected increase in minimum support prices. Pakistan was also projected to increase plantings.