Improving competitive ability and herbicide options in domesticated oat production systems (Avena sativa L.)

Non-Peer ReviewedDomesticated oat (Avena sativa L.) is an economically important crop, ranking sixth in world cereal production and with production reaching approximately 25 million tonnes annually. It is largely utilized within the food industry and has increased in demand due to recent recognition of its health benefits attributed to beta-glucan. Oat yield reductions and poor grain seed quality have become more prevalent with increased resistant kochia populations. Multiple herbicide resistant (HR) kochia, along with a lack of herbicide registration for domesticated oat, have lead to a significant decrease in weed control efficacy. Thus, the initial objectives of this study are to quantify the efficacy of new herbicides for domesticated oat production. This project will be utilizing Group 2, 6, 14, and 28 PRE- and POST applicant herbicides. Oat yield and biomass was not significantly reduced within most treatments, indicating high crop tolerance. However, based on CWSS visual ratings, which were conducted after application indicated severe tissue damage and growth reductions attributed to several treatments. In contrast, fluthiacet-methyl, florasulam with bromoxynil, and pyrasulfotole with bromoxynil, and bentazon with 2,4-D could pose as alternative herbicide control options, as initial tissue damage was limited and provided reasonable kochia control. Future research is required to confirm efficacy of kochia control and oat tolerance, as apposing research indicates varying results