Comprehensive Assessment of Genetic Variability and Selection Strategies in Oat Germplasm for Improved Fodder and Seed Yield in N-W Himalayan Mid-hill Environments

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Background: Oat is an important dual purpose annual cereal crop with high adaptability and enhanced nutritional value. Expanding population and squeezing arable land has led to competition for utilization of land for food grains and fodder which necessitates intensified efforts toward more efficient forage production. Hence studying genetic variability in oats becomes crucial for selection of resilient genotypes with traits tailored for resilience and high yield by ensuring crop productivity in varying environmental conditions. Methods: A total of 121 oat germplasm lines were evaluated for sixteen traits using simple lattice design for three years to study genetic variability, trait inter-relationships and conduct principal component and cluster analyses. Result: Substantial genetic variability was observed for fodder yield and component traits. High coefficients of variation for flag leaf area alongwith its high heritability and genetic advance, underscore its suitability for selection while, moderate GA for tillers per plant and 1000-seed weight, suggested hybridization coupled with selection. Fodder yield displayed significant and positive correlations with multiple traits suggesting effective selection. Path coefficient and principal component analysis identified days to 50% flowering, plant height, leaves per plant, biological and seed yield, dry matter and crude protein yield as optimal selection indices for enhancing fodder yield. Cross-breeding among diverse genotypes from specific clusters within the evaluated panel offers promising avenues for future oat breeding and yield improvement programmes.

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