Genotype, environment and management effect on grain yield and milling quality of oat in Northern Great Plains

Authors: Neupane, Dhurba; RICHTER, PAUL - General Mills, Inc; CAFFE, MELANIE - South Dakota State University; Schneider, Sharon; Ewing, Patrick

Submitted to: Field Crops Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/22/2025
Publication Date: 11/27/2025
Citation: Neupane, D., Richter, P., Caffe, M., Schneider, S.K., Ewing, P.M. 2025. Genotype, environment and management effect on grain yield and milling quality of oat in Northern Great Plains. Field Crops Research. 337. Article 110259.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110259.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110259

Interpretive Summary: Oat markets need consistent quality even with extreme weather, which can negatively affect yield and nutrition. Choosing the right oat varieties and farming methods is key to meeting these needs. This study looked at how different oat varieties, growing conditions, and farming practices affect the yield, nutritional value, and processing quality of oats. From 2021-2023, rainfall varied greatly, and temperatures ranged from 23.0 to 25.9°C. Cooler, wetter weather generally resulted in higher yields and better processing quality but lower protein and ß-glucan (a type of fiber) levels. Choosing the right variety and farming methods can help overcome these challenges. For instance, the oat variety Reins performed well in good weather, while Natty and Sumo were more resilient to dry weather. The number of seeds planted per area also affected the grain's nutritional content and processing quality. More seeds led to heavier, plumper grains with more oil and protein but lower individual grain weight. Adding clover to the crop rotation did not affect oat yield or grain quality. Different oat varieties responded differently to these factors. Sumo maintained its quality regardless of grain weight, while Reins kept its desirable traits across different yield levels. This research helps oat breeders and farmers. Breeders can develop new oat varieties that consistently produce high-quality grains even in challenging weather. Farmers can adjust their practices to improve oat production while maintaining soil health. By working together, breeders and farmers can ensure a steady supply of nutritious and high-quality oats for everyone.

Technical Abstract: Markets demand grain characteristics that are consistent despite weather extremes and may be negatively correlated, such as between yield and nutritional value. Selecting crop varieties and management practices is important for meeting market demands reliably. We examined the impact of genotype, environment, and crop management practices on oat (Avena sativa L.) grain yield, milling quality, and nutritional content. Across 2021-2023, precipitation ranged from 176 to 328 mm and average daily maximum temperatures from 23.0 to 25.9oC. Cooler and wetter conditions generally supported higher yields and better milling quality, but at the cost of lower grain protein and ß-glucan content. Variety selection and management could mitigate weather impacts and tradeoffs among grain characteristics. The semi-dwarf variety, Reins excelled in favorable conditions, while medium-height Natty and Sumo tolerated drier conditions. Seeding rate also influenced grain nutrient content and milling quality, with higher populations resulting in higher test weight, kernel plumpness, oil, and protein content but lower thousand kernel weight. An additional, rotationally beneficial management practice, clover forage establishment, did not affect grain yield or quality. Tradeoffs among grain characteristics were variety-specific – Sumo best maintained milling quality and nutritional content irrespective of test weight, while Reins maintained grain quality traits across yield environments. To better meet the demands of the food oats market, breeders may further decouple grain quality traits while continuing to select for weather resilience. Agronomists, meanwhile, may revisit planting densities while continuing to develop soil-building practices.