Factor Analysis of Oats Productivity Elements

In 2023–2024 in the FARC of the North-East, Kirov region, an assessment of the development of productivity traits of 64 oats samples (Avena sativa L.) of various ecological and genetic origin was carried out. The aim of the research was to identify a group of oat productivity traits related to chlorophyll content in the flag leaf using factor analysis, and to identify genotypes that are promising for breeding to improve crop productivity. In the mid-flowering phase, the total chlorophyll content of the flag leaf was determined using a chlorophyllometer CCM-200plus (trait Chlorophyll Content Index = CCI). The experiments were conducted on sod-podzolic soil, the plot area was 5 m ² in quadruple replications. In general, the period from sowing to maturation was water-logged in 2023 (HTC = 1.73) and slightly dried in 2024 (HTC = 0.76). On average, over two years, between the such traits as yield, panicle weight, the number of spikelets and grains per panicle, the mass of grains per panicle and plants, and the CCI trait, there was a significant (at p ≤ 0.05) relationship (r = 0.348…0.420). Panicle mass, number of spikelets and grains per panicle, weight of grains per panicle and plant, and CCI were controlled by the first major factor explaining 37.6 % of the total variability of the analyzed traits, and yield – by the second major factor explaining the other 20.3 % of the variability. The samples Atula 508–89 and Kulan were identified as most promising for breeding to enhance the development of the panicle (the number of spikelets, grains, the mass of the panicle and grains from it). Samples URS Penca, Donen, Hucul, UFRGS 086183–2 and UFRGS 086092-2 should be used in breeding for increase plant height, panicle length and 1000 grain weight.

oats (Avena sativa), chlorophyll content index, yield, panicle, flag leaf, breeding, multivariate analysis