Genotypic and environmental effects on grain yield and quality of oat grown in North Dakota

The grain yield and quality determine much of the value of an oat (A vena sativa L.) crop to the producer. This study investigated effects of genotype and environment on grain yield and quality. Twelve oat genotypes were grown during 3 yr at four locations in North Dakota where detailed environmental data were being collected. Grain yield, test weight, groat percentage, groat weight, and groat composition (protein, oil, beta -glucan, and starch concentrations) were evaluated. Results were subjected to analysis of variance and influences of environmental factors were evaluated by correlation analysis. Analysis of variance suggested that grain yield, groat starch, and ash concentrations were more strongly affected by environment than by genotype. Test weight, groat percentage, groat weight, protein, and P-glucan were about equally influenced by environment and by genotype, whereas groat lipid was more strongly influenced by genotype. Significant environment X genotype interactions for all characteristics were attributed to differential resistance of genotypes to crown rust (caused by Puccinia coronata Corda var. aveneae W.P. Fraser & Ledingham) infection. Environments severely affected by crown rust produced grain with lower test weight, groat weight, and groat percentage in susceptible genotypes. Correlation analyses suggested that warm, bright (high solar radiation) spring weather, and cooler summer weather without excessive rains during grain filling generated the best oat yields with high quality grain.