Oat breeders have improved yielding ability potential of oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars, but set lower standards for biochemical composition of grain. Nowadays the quality of grain for consumers has become important especially in terms of lipids and β-glucan content. Experiments were carried out at State Stende Cereal Breading Institute in the year 2012 to evaluate the oats yield and grain quality. 15 different cultivars of Stende collection were compared by yield and parameters of productivity (test weight and 1000 kernel weight) as well as biochemical parameters (protein, starch, lipid, β-glucan, content). Biochemical parameters were tested by Infratec Analyser 1241. To obtain an equal research background all cultivars were grown in a plant breeding crop rotation field, with similar growing conditions (sowing-time, fertilizer, plant protection activities), which agree with generally accepted technology of oat cultivation in Latvia. Experiments were done in four replications. Plots were laid randomized. ANOVA procedures were used for data analysis. Yield of experimental cultivars varied between 4.28 ± 0.19 - 5.93 ± 0.22 t haE-1, test weight 46.85 ± 0.99 - 52.75 ± 0.44 kg hLE-1, 1000 kernel weight 33.70 ± 0.24 - 46.34 ± 0.80 g. Significant differences of tested yield parameters among oat cultivars were observed. The highest protein content was observed for local breed cultivars ‘Arta’ and ‘Mara’ 119.5 ± 02.6 and 110.5 ± 1.9 g kgE-1 accordingly. Low starch content, but high β-glucan content is characteristic for all Latvian cultivars.

Height at the centre of gravity is a part of mathematical model to interpret risk of lodging used for cereal crops. Because of the anatomical changes during vegetation period, several measured parameters in early milk stage (stem and panicle weight) will differ from over-ripe stage results in their values. The aim of this study was to define approximate values of calculated parameters describing oat (Avena sativa L.) height at the centre of gravity in early milk and over-ripe stages as well as determine connection with lodging risk. The trial was carried out at the State Stende Cereals Breeding Institute in 2013. There were 5 oat cultivars studied. At the investigated growing stages plant samples were taken from a field and in laboratory conditions stem/panicle weight and length measured. The height at the centre of gravity and gravity ratio were calculated using mathematical model by Berry (1998). Results showed that the value of the height at the centre of gravity in over-ripe stage was significantly higher (p is less than 0.01) than in early milk stage, but correlation with risk of lodging remained. Such lodging resistance describing mathematical model can be useful for oat as well as wheat cultivars.

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is one of the small grain crops produced in temperate climate zone. Common oat has been studied most often due to its multifunctional characteristics and nutritional profile. The main function of the oat husk is to protect grain from harmful conditions during harvesting and storage time. Oat grain size uniformity is an important parameter to the oat milling industry. The aim of this study was to compare the husk content of common oat cultivars grown in Latvia and to obtain its changes at different grain size fractions during three growing seasons. The field trial was carried out at the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute from 2012 to 2014. Ten husked oat genotypes were studied. Oat samples were fractioned into size fractions and samples of each fraction dehulled by hand. Results showed that significant (p is less than 0.05) differences in the husk content were observed among genotypes, growing season and different grain size fractions. Significantly lower husk content was for genotype ‘Arta’ in all growing seasons. For majority of used genotypes increasing grain size the husk content decreased.