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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fargo, North Dakota » Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center » Cereal Crops Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #104907
Title: GENOTYPE AND ENVIRONMENT EFFECTS ON GRAIN YIELD AND QUALITY OF OAT GROWN IN NORTH DAKOTA

Author
item Doehlert, Douglas
item MCMULLEN, MICHAEL - PLNT SCI, NDSU, FARGO, ND
item HAMMOND, J. - PLNT SCI, NDSU, FARGO, ND

Submitted to: Crop Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/8/2000
Publication Date: 9/15/2001
Citation: Doehlert, D.C., McMullen, M.S., Hammond, J.J. 2001. Genotype and environment effects on grain yield and quality of oat grown in North Dakota. Crop Science. 41:1066-1072.

Interpretive Summary: Much of the value of an oat crop to the producer is dependent on the grain yield and the quality of the grain. This study examined how much of the variation in the oat grain yield and quality was due to the variety of oat grown and how much was due to the environment. We grew twelve varieties of oats in four locations over three years and measured yield and detailed grain quality characteristics. We also recorded detailed information about the weather at these locations during the growing seasons. The data was analyzed with a statistical procedure known as a stepwise regression to determine the relative influence of oat variety and environmental conditions on grain yield and quality. The results indicated that environment was very important in determining yield and strongly affected many quality characteristics. Grain oil and beta-glucan concentration were only weakly affected by the environment and were largely determined by the genetic identity of the oat. The results also indicated that locations with more sunshine yielded more, suggesting the importance of photosynthesis to oat yields. Rain in July adversely affected yield and test weights, probably because those conditions promoted diseases in oats that reduced yields and damaged grain quality.

Technical Abstract: The grain yield and quality determine much of the value of an oat (Avena sativa L.) crop to the producer. This study investigated effects of genotype and environment on grain yield and quality. Twelve oat genotypes were grown over three years at four locations in North Dakota where detailed environmental data were being collected. Grain yield, test weight, groat percentage, groat weight and groat composition (starch, protein, oil, beta-glucan, and starch concentrations) were evaluated. Data were analyzed by stepwise multiple regression to determine specific environmental conditions that were most important in affecting grain yield and quality. Grain yield, groat percentage, groat starch and ash concentrations were more strongly affected by environment than by genotype. Test weight was about equally influenced by environment and by genotype and exhibited significant interactions between environment and genotype. Interactions were attributed to differential resistance of genotypes to crown rust (Puccinia coronata) infection. Genotype strongly affected groat protein, lipid, and beta-glucan concentrations, although groat starch and ash exhibited significant environment x genotype interactions. Oat grain yield was most strongly affected by the mean seasonal solar radiation, suggesting the importance of gross photosynthesis to oat yields.