The objective of this study was to proceed with an initial evaluation of various strains of white oats (Avena sativa, L.), with the objective of characterizing the genetic diversity and the agronomic performance, identifying the promising genotypes for the release of cultivars, with the purpose of forage production. The experiments were conducted in two geographical regions of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Depressão Central and in the Campanha Gaúcha, Brazil, in the years 2008 and 2009, in a randomized block design with four replications. Each plot consisted of a 2-m line, with lines spaced at 40 cm. The central linear meter was considered as useful plot, cut to a height of 10 cm. Twenty-one oat lines were evaluated, plus the control (IPR126). In the first year, two strains of triticale were also studied, and had a low potential for forage and were excluded from the experiments in the second year. The productive potential of oat strains did not differ for the interaction of location, year or lineage, with the first year of average production in the Depressão Central and Campanha Gaúcha, of, 82 3 and 76.3 grams per meter of total dry matter (TDM), respectively. At the second year evaluation, the means of production for this species in the Depressão Central and Campanha Gaúcha were 80.0 and 119.8 g m-1 TDM. Most strains of oats present good results and are promising for the breeding program of this species.
forage; plant breeding; white oat
