Auzu graudu kvalitātes rādītāji trīs gadu periodā: 2020.–2022. gadā = Quality indicators of oat grain in the three year period: 2020–2022

The quality and yield of grains significantly influence the value of the product, which is important both for processing companies and for consumers. One of the most important requirements for oat (Avena sativa) grain quality is grain volume weight, which is essential for processing companies. The aim of the study was to examine and analyse the oat grain quality indicators by evaluating the influence of a variety and a growing season. Ten oat varieties were used for the comparison at the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, Stende Research Centre in the period from 2020 to 2022. The volume weight, one of the most important indicators of grain quality, varies by year. Significant differences (p<0.001) were observed among varieties, depending on the growing season. Calculations of the average indicators revealed that the highest volume weight of 540.2 g LE−1 was obtained in 2020. In Latvia, TGW is not considered as a quality indicator by processing companies, however, it has a significant impact on grain processing products. The research results showed that TGW is variable between vegetation seasons. No significant differences were observed between the 2020 (average 37.7 g) and 2022 TGW (average 37.4 g), but TGW in 2021 (average 32.4 g) was significantly (p<0.001) different. The variety ‘Lelde’ had one of the highest volume weight in all vegetation periods (495.9 g LE−1 – 2021 and 561.6 g LE−1 – 2020). Also, regarding the TGW, the varieties ‘Apollon’ and ‘Delfin’ had the highest indicators in all vegetation seasons. As regards crude protein content, significant differences (p<0.05) in quality factors depended on both varieties and vegetation periods. Concerning total fat (p=0.332), β-glucan (p=0.118) and starch (p=0.124) content, no significant changes were found between varieties, but the growing season had a significant (p<0.05) effect.