Oat field crop variety trial data
2025 oat field crop variety trial narrative
Oat varieties were sown in trials plots in 2025 at Becker, Lamberton, Le Center Rochester, St. Paul, and Waseca in Southern Minnesota (south of I-94). In Northern Minnesota (north of I-94), trials were conducted in Crookston, Fergus Falls, Grand Rapids, Roseau and Stephen. Fergus Falls and Stephen locations were lost. Yield performance from single years should be viewed cautiously as environmental variability may significantly affect the yields in single locations or years. The highest yields in 2025 were recorded in Hallock (205 bu/a) and the lowest in Lamberton (73 bu/a). Maturity, height, protein, and test weight data are presented as statewide averages from 2023-2025 except where noted. Straw strength data are also a statewide average from the same period, but only from locations where lodging was present. In addition, entries were evaluated for disease resistance to crown rust and loose smut in specific inoculated nurseries.
Variety Selection
While yield is an important selection criterion, grain quality and disease resistance should also be considered. Millers have grain quality and variety preferences which can be considered if that is the intended target. Crown rust continues to be a major limiting factor to oat production in Minnesota that must be managed to achieve optimal yield. Rust in all yield trials was managed through treatment with a propiconazole-based fungicide when the flag leaf was fully extended (Feekes 9) to evaluate the yield potential without disease infection. All disease scores are on a “1-9” scale where “1” is very resistant and “9” is very susceptible. Crown rust resistance was evaluated in the Buckthorn Nursery in St. Paul by the USDA-ARS using an exceptionally aggressive crown rust population. The most economical way of controlling crown rust is through resistant varieties; however, application of fungicide to a variety with rating of “4” or greater is prudent if crown rust is present in the lower canopy at Feekes 9. Smut was evaluated in an inoculated nursery on the St. Paul campus. A seed treatment and certified seed should be used to manage smut. Disease resistance may be a driving factor if pesticides are not economical or if the intended production system is organic.
PVP Status
The U.S. Plant Variety Protection Act (PVP) status is listed for all varieties tested. PVP(94) notation indicates that seed of that variety may not be sold by a grower without the permission of the variety’s owner. If the PVP is pending, consider the variety as having PVP(94) protection.
Authors
Kevin Smith, Ruth Dill-Macky, Nicholas Metz, Karen Beaubien, Jochum Wiersma
Researchers
Mike Leiseth, Travis Vollmer, Danielle Fiebekorn Wrucke and Donn Vellekson supervised and carried out test plot establishment and management.
Oat field crop variety trial archive
The following documents were created before current policy requirements took effect, and therefore may not be accessible. To request this content in an accessible format, contact [email protected].
- 2023 (.pdf)
- 2022 (.pdf)
- 2021 (.pdf)
- 2020 (.pdf)
- 2019 (.pdf)
- 2018 (.pdf)
- 2017 (.pdf)
- 2016 (.pdf)
- 2015 (.pdf)
- 2014 (.pdf)
- 2013 (.pdf)
- 2012 (.pdf)
- 2011 (.pdf)
- 2010 (.pdf)
- 2009 (.pdf)
- 2008 (.pdf)
- 2007 (.pdf)
- 2006 (.pdf)
- 2005 (.pdf)
- 2004 (.pdf)
- 2003 (.pdf)
- 2002 (.pdf)
- 2001 (.pdf)
- 2000 (.pdf)
- 1999 (.pdf)
- 1998 (.pdf)
- 1997 (.pdf)
- 1996 (.pdf)