A regional adaptation analysis of oats in New South Wales and southern Queensland for grain yield and dry matter production

Abstract

A regional adaptation analysis was conducted to identify oat genotypes with potential for release as varieties or use as parents in breeding programs for New South Wales (NSW) and southern Queensland. This analysis used 5 trial sites (Toowoomba, Moree, Narrabri, Armidale, Temora) and was conducted over 3 years using 71 oat (Avena sp.) genotypes. Genotypes were selected to represent various phenology types from early to late maturing as well as being representative of a variety of end uses including grain, grazing, dual purpose, and naked oats. Australian breeding lines and varieties composed most of the genotypes in the analysis; however, overseas material was also included. Multivariate analysis indicated that the area studied could be divided into 2 subregions. The northern sites of Toowoomba, Moree, and Narrabri were in one cluster, whereas Temora and Armidale formed another. Genotypes formed groups which were largely related to their phenology. Results indicated that there was a group of genotypes which produced above average grain yields over the entire region. Oats in this group were primarily of mid-season phenology and were all from the existing Australian oat breeding programs. Oats of mid- and late-season phenology were better suited to the Armidale and Temora region where conditions are cooler and the growing season longer. Early maturing oats were identified as types suitable for high yielding grain oats for the northern region. However, it is recognised that improvement in rust resistance of these genotypes would be necessary for reliable and profitable grain production in this area. Breeding oats for northern NSW and southern Queensland would be possible using genotypes from the existing Australian oat breeding programs. The quick maturing oats from Agriculture Western Australia seemed especially well suited to this purpose. From the genotypes used in this study there seemed to be a shortage of late maturing oat types. If oats for hay or forage production were required, evaluation of late maturing genetic material from overseas may be required.