Raising oat grain yield has been one of the main goals of breeding programs. The search for genetic variability in yield components is considered a strategy to increase yield potential. The present study was done aiming to identify genetic variability for morpho-physiological traits (grain weight and number of spikelet /panicle) in cultivated oat genotypes (Avena sativa L.), wild introductions of A. fatua L. and natural hybrid populations of A. sativa L. x A. fatua L. Wide genetic variability was detected among groups and within them for the evaluated traits. Genotypes in the cultivated group (Avena sativa L.) revealed a higher grain weight and low number of spikelet/panicle. A. fatua L. wild introductions showed low grain weight and low number spikelet/panicle. However, some hybrid F2 populations revealed high grain weight and low spikelet number/panicle, being able to be used in the breeding program.
Avena sativa L.; Avena fatua L.; grain weight; spikelet/panicle; plant breeding
