The effect of diverse sowing density on the yield and structural yield components of brown- and yellow-husked genotypes of oats

The aim of the study was evaluation of the effect of various sowing density and the course of weather conditions in the growing season on the yield and structural yield components of chosen brown- and yellow-husked genotypes (cultivars and strains) of common oats. The two-factor field experiment was carried out in the years 2007-2010 at the Institute of Crop Production and Cultivation of Malopolska Plant Growing Company in Polanowice near Krakow. The first experimental factor were 6 cultivars/strains of common oats: 3 cultivars/strains of brown-husked cultivars (Gniady, CHD 2875/01, CHD 2833/02) and 3 yellow-husked cultivars (Bohun, Deresz and Cwal). The second factor were 3 sowing densities: 300, 400 and 500 germinating grains·m -2 . The brown-husked (5.90 Mg·ha -1 ) and yellow-husked (6.13 Mg·ha -1 ) genotypes of oats which were compared in the study, did not differ significantly in the grain yield quantity, however, significant differences were observed between particular strains and cultivars (Gniady, CHD 2875/01, CHD 2833/02, Bohun, Deresz and Cwal) both in grain yields and in the number of grains developed per panicle, as well as in 1000 grain weight. The average oat yield obtained in the experiment was 5.6-6.4 Mg·ha -1 , while the highest one was obtained from the brown-husked strain CHD 2833/02. Diversified sowing density had no effect on the grain yield quantity, however it significantly varied structural components of the yield. Increase in the density was directly proportional to the number of panicles developed per unit of area. The studied experimental factors had a significant effect on grain plumpness in the studied material. The highest yielding cultivars and strains (CHD 2833/02, Bohun, Deresz) were characterized by a higher proportion of small grains (<2.2 mm), and by a lower content of larger grains. The course of weather conditions in the years of research significantly diversified yield quantity, structural yield components and grain proportion of particular fractions. In 2008, under conditions favorable for growth and development of oat plants, the proportion of grains from fraction 2.5-2.7 mm was higher than in other years of research.