Oat Germination Characteristics Differ among Genotypes, Seed Sizes, and Osmotic Potentials

• DOI: 10.2135/cropsci2004.0722
• Publication Date: 2005-08-27T00:43:41Z
• Authors: Christian J. Will...; Jeffery C. Wildeman; Aaron K. Miller; Brian G. Rossnagel; Steven J. Shirtliffe
• Keywords: Avena fatua; Avena; Moisture stress; Osmotic pressure; Osmotic shock

Oat ( Avena sativa L.) yield and quality on the northern Great Plains are consistently reduced by frequent drought wild oat fatua competition. Wild cannot be selectively removed from with herbicides. Identifying genotypes or seed size(s) high germination potential under moisture stress may facilitate improved seedling vigor, stand establishment, crop competitiveness. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine effects of genotype size subjected stress. Large, medium, small seeds six common western Canadian were germinated in polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000) solutions initial osmotic potentials ranging 0 −0.4 MPa at 5°C. Generalized linear mixed models fit data provided statistically valid, appropriate, convenient method analyze data. In all examined, decreasing increased median time (MGT) lowered final percentage (FGP). Among genotypes, CDC Bell had fastest MGT while AC Mustang highest FGP. Delays reductions FGP resulting similar those observed other cereals, suggesting that as capable germinating low spring soil conditions wheat barley. The results this also indicate large such appear better suited germinate range study. Although differences between sizes significant, they generally thus, characteristics not substantially screening out farm‐saved seed.