A comparative analysis of growth characteristics of six oat cultivars in the north-western Sichuan alpine region

To select the best oats (Avena sativa) suitable for planting in the north-western Sichuan region, we assessed the phenological phase, plant height, stem diameter, hay yield, fresh weight/dry weight (FW/DW) ratio, proportion of stem, leaf and ear, and nutrient content (crude protein, ether extract, crude ash, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber) among six oat cultivars (Qinghai No.444, Qingyin No.1, Lean, Dingyan No.2, Ogle, and Monida). Results showed that all oat varieties completed their life cycles except for Dingyan No.2. Qinghai No.444 and Qingyin No. 1 experienced the shortest growth period, 130 and 133 d, respectively. Plant heights of the tested oats ranged from 81.53 to 90.54 cm (P>0.05). The stem diameter of Monida was the largest at 4.35 mm, whereas Qingyin No.1 was the smallest at 3.32 mm. The hay yield of Lean was the highest (10 448.52 kg·ha-1), whereas Qingyin No.1 was the lowest (8 554.81 kg·ha-1). The FW/DW ratios of Qinghai No.444 and Qingyin No.1 were lower than that of the other varieties (P<0.05). Lean had higher leaf and ear proportions than that of the other cultivars. The crude protein content of Lean was 7.82%, which was higher than that of the other oats, whereas Dingyan No.2 had the lowest content (5.83%). The ether extract content of Qingyin No.1 was 2.93%, which was higher than that of the other oat cultivars, whereas Ogle was the lowest at 2.48%. The crude ash, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber content of Qinghai No. 444 was the highest, being 4.60%, 35.57%, and 63.27%, respectively. Dingyan No.2 was the lowest among the other oat cultivars, being 3.76%, 32.00%, and 54.47%. Based on results from the comprehensive evaluation analysis, Lean and Monida were the most suitable cultivars for promotion in the north-western Sichuan region.