Morphological, anatomical, and chemical characteristics associated with lodging resistance in Avena sativa

Abstract

In subtropical environments lodging occurs at all stages of the oat plant development, particularly after panicle extrusion, causing severe yield reduction. This study aimed to identify morphological, chemical, and anatomical characteristics of the stem associated with lodging resistance on oats, which may be used to identify and select resistant genotypes. A set of genotypes with diverse response to lodging were grown in nine environments, combining sowing densities, years, and growing seasons within the same year. Were carried out morphological, anatomical, and chemical evaluations for main stems. Shorter stem length and larger stem thickness in the first expanded basal internode are morphological characteristics associated with lodging resistance in Avena sativa. No differences in lignin and cellulose contents were observed, however, there were differences in the distribution pattern and in the intensity of lignin and cellulose staining. Lodging resistant genotypes showed higher number of cell layers in the subdermal parenchyma. The most practical and easily selectable feature for lodging resistance in a breeding program remains plant height together with stem wall thickness at the first basal expanded internode.