Potential Role of Cutting Date in Lodging and Yield of Three Oat Cultivars

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the role of cutting at different growth stages according to the Zadoks scale and the possibility of reducing plant height and lodging at the end of the season. Moreover, it aimed to study the effect of cutting on some growth and yield traits of oat cultivars introduced into Iraq. A field experiment was carried out in an agricultural area on the left bank of the Euphrates River in the city of Ramadi during the winter season of 2020-2021. In this experiment, a randomized complete block design (RCBD), factorial arrangement, with three replications was used. The experiment included two factors: the first factor included three cutting dates according to the Zadoks scale: “Main stem and one tiller (GS21), main stem and four tillers (GS24), Main stem and seven tillers (GS27)”, in addition to the control without cutting. The second factor included three oat cultivars: Carrolup, Genzania, and Shafa. The most important results are summarized as follows: Cutting at all growth stages delayed ripening and reduced plant height, cutting at GS24 and GS27 reduced lodging, and cutting at GS27 reduced the grains per panicle, 1000 grain weight, grain yield, and total dry matter. Genzania cultivar was superior in grain yield and total dry matter. The cultivars showed similar responses to cutting dates in the terms of lodging and yield. It can be concluded from this study that cutting at GS24 is beneficial in reducing lodging without a negative impact on yield quantity.