COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

EXTENDED CAMPUS OF BIDHAN CHANDRA KRISHI

VISWAVIDYALAYA (BURDWAN SADAR CAMPUS)

COURSE NAME :- CROP PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY III (RABI

CROPS)
COURSE NO. :- AGR 251
COURSE CREDIT :- 2 (1+1)
ASSIGNMENT TOPIC :- PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY OF OAT
SUBMITTED BY :- ARADHANA TUDU(AG-BWN-07)
ANJAN NAYAK (AG-BWN-08)
SEMESTER :- 4TH
YEAR :-2ND
SUBMISSION YEAR :- 2024
 Your INTRODUCTION
Oats (Avena sativa L.) is an important cereal crop, particularly valued for its high-quality
fodder and nutritional grain. In India, it is primarily cultivated as a fodder crop to meet the
feed requirements of livestock, especially during the winter season. The Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR), specifically the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research
Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi, has made significant contributions to the development of improved
oat varieties and production technologies. This document outlines the recommended
production practices for oats in India, drawing upon research and advancements made by
ICAR-IGFRI

Uses

Quick growing, palatable, succulent and nutritious crop;

generally feed to cattle mixing with legumes like lucern.
 Grazing: Grazing systems are usually practised under dry land
conditions, but
more success can be achieved under supplemental/ full irrigation.
 Hay: Oats make very good hay, due to its inflorescence being softer
than
that of Rye and Triticale. Spring type oats will give higher production of
better quality for hay production.
 Silage: Often practiced when double cropping is done with a summer crop like
maize. Spring type oats will give higher production of better quality
 Cover Crop -It is used as cover crop mixture because of it’s extensive root system which
stabilise soil aggregates and prevent leaching loss thus reducing the rate of erosion.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE :

 Calories: 307.
 Water: 8.7 grams.
 Protein: 10.7 grams.
 Carbs: 54.8 grams.
 Sugar: 0.8 grams.
 Fiber: 8.1 grams.
 Fat: 5.3 grams.
 Origin and Distribution
 The red oat was cultivated as a fodder in Asia
minor / Mediterranean region.
 Chief oat producing countries are USA,
Russia, Poland, France, Canada, Germany
and UK.
 Oat producing states in India are Punjab,
Haryana, UP, MP, Rajasthan, Maharastra,
Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha and Jammu &
Kashmir.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
● Scientific name: Avena sativa
● Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)
● Plant characteristics:
○ Height: Oats typically grow to a height of 1 to 1.5 meters
(3 to 5 feet).
○ Root type: Fibrous root system, which helps in soil binding
and nutrient absorption .
○ Leaf type: Linear, elongated leaves with parallel venation.
○ Flowering habits: Oats have a panicle-type inflorescence, bearing spikelets containing
the oat grains. They are self-pollinating

Types of oats
The genus Avena is represented by over 76 varieties, which include
cultivated
and wild oats. Here are the most widely used of those.
Avena sativa (Common oat)
This is the most widely grown and used type of oats. The homeland
of common
oats is Mongolia and the northeastern provinces of China. This variety is popular
due to the large nutrients content and its ability to grow on almost any soil type,
except sandy and lime lands.
Avena byzantina (Algerian or Red oat)
This type of oats is planted mostly for fodder in countries with a warm
Mediterranean climate, which makes it more resistant to drought than the
common oats.
Avena nuda (Naked oat)
This is a special type of oats the grains of which lack a membranous hull. Such oats
do not undergo mechanical hulling, which allows for retaining high germination
rate.
Classification of Oat Based on Chromosome Number
Oats (Avena spp.) show a wide range of chromosome numbers due to polyploidy (presence of
multiple sets of chromosomes). Based on chromosome number, oats are classified as:
1. Diploid Species (2n = 14 chromosomes)
Examples: Avena brevis, Avena strigosa
These are considered primitive species with simple genomes.
2. Tetraploid Species (2n = 28 chromosomes)
Examples: Avena abyssinica, Avena magna
They evolved through the natural doubling of diploid genomes.
3. Hexaploid Species (2n = 42 chromosomes)
Examples: Avena sativa (common oat), Avena byzantina
These are the most cultivated oats for grain and fodder purposes.
Among these, hexaploid oats (Avena sativa) are the most economically important and widely
cultivated worldwide.
Varieties
● Popular and high-yielding varieties:
○ Globally: Popular varieties include 'CDC Dancer', 'Streif', 'Sangold', and 'Jerry'.
○ India: Common varieties include 'OS-6', 'OS-7', 'Kent', and 'UO-11'.
● Important fodder oat varieties: Bundel Jai 85, Bundel Jai 99-2, Bundel Jai 2000, and
Narendra Jai 1.
. Climatic Requirements
● Temperature range: Oats are a cool-season crop. The optimal temperature range for
growth is between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F).
● Rainfall and humidity needs:
○ Oats require moderate rainfall, typically between 400 and 600 mm (16 to 24 inches)
per growing season.
○ High humidity can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
● Photoperiod sensitivity: Oats are generally considered day-length-insensitive,
meaning they can be grown across a range of latitudes.
● Best season for sowing:
○ In India, oats are typically sown as a rabi (winter) crop, from October to November. In
cooler northern regions, the sowing time may extend into early December.
Soil Requirements
● Suitable soil types: Oats can grow on a variety of soils, including loamy, sandy loam,
and clay loam soils. They prefer well-drained soils.
● Soil pH range: The optimal soil pH for oat cultivation is between 5.5 and 7.0.
● Soil preparation practices:
○ The land should be plowed 2-3 times to create a fine tilth.
○ Harrowing or leveling is done to ensure a uniform seedbed.
○ Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil
structure and fertility.
Sowing Practices
Seed inoculation
Azotobacter inoculation of oat seeds has been found to be effective
in increasing plant height, leaf:stem ratio, dry matter yield and crude
protein yield.
○ Seed rate: The typical seed rate is 80-100 kg per hectare for grain production. For
fodder, the seed rate is higher, around 100-120 kg/ha.
○ Seed treatment: Treating seeds with fungicides like thiram or carboxin can protect
against seed-borne diseases (e.g., loose smut).
● Sowing methods:
○ Drilling: This is the most common and recommended method, ensuring uniform seed
placement and depth.
○ Broadcasting: Seeds are scattered over the prepared field. This method is less precise
but can be used in some situations.
○ Row sowing: Seeds are sown in rows using a seed drill or manually, maintaining
proper spacing.
● Sowing depth and spacing:
○ Sowing depth: 3-5 cm (1.2-2 inches) is ideal.
○ Spacing: If row sowing is used, a spacing of 20-25 cm between rows is generally
recommended.
Nutrient Management
● Fertilizer requirements:
○ Oats require a balanced supply of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
○ NPK application: A general recommendation is 80-100 kg N, 40-50 kg P2O5, and 40
kg K2O per hectare. The exact amounts vary depending on soil fertility and the specific
variety.
○ Apply nitrogen in split doses: basal, at tillering, and at the boot stage. Apply all of P
and K as basal.
● Organic manure usage:
○ Incorporating well-rotted farmyard manure (FYM) or compost at 10-15 tons per
hectare improves soil health, water retention, and nutrient availability.
● Micronutrient needs:
○ Oats may require micronutrients like zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn), especially in
soils with deficiencies. Soil testing can help determine the specific needs.
Water Management
● Irrigation scheduling and critical stages:
○ Oats require adequate moisture, especially during critical growth stages.3 to 4
irrigation is required.
○ Critical stages:
■ Crown root initiation.
■ Tillering.
■ Boot stage (when the panicle begins to swell).
■ Grain filling.
● Irrigation methods suitable:
○ Flood irrigation: This is a common method, but it can be water-intensive.
○ Sprinkler irrigation: More efficient than flood irrigation, providing uniform water
distribution.
○ Drip irrigation: This is the most water-efficient method, delivering water directly to
the root zone. Less common in traditional oat production but can be beneficial in water-scarce
areas.
● Water conservation techniques:
○ Mulching: Using organic mulches (straw, crop residues) to reduce evaporation and
conserve soil moisture.
○ Rainwater harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for irrigation.
○ Proper leveling of the field: Ensures uniform water distribution and prevents
waterlogging.
Weed Management
● Common weeds in the crop field:
○ Common weeds include Chenopodium album (Bathua), Anagallis arvensis (Scarlet
pimpernel), Phalaris minor (Canary grass), and various broadleaf weeds and grasses.
● Manual, mechanical, and chemical control methods:
○ Manual: Hand weeding is effective but labor-intensive.
○ Mechanical: Using implements like hoes and cultivators to remove weeds.
○ Chemical: Applying herbicides to control weed growth.
● Herbicides used:
○ Pre-emergence: Herbicides applied before the emergence of the crop and weeds (e.g.,
pendimethalin).
○ Post-emergence: Herbicides applied after the emergence of the crop and weeds (e.g.,
2,4-D, clodinafop). Selective herbicides are important to avoid damaging the oat crop.
DISEASE MANAGEMENT :
1. Root rot :
This disease manifests itself in the browning of the coleoptile, yellowing and
deformation of leaves, rotting, browning and blackening of the primary and
secondary roots. Plants stop growing, the grains turn brown and wrinkle, the
stem
rots and breaks eventually.
Protection measures: -Selection of relatively resistant varieties -Crop rotation -Stubble
plowing and early fall plowing -Application of phosphorus fertilizers -
Presowing seed treatment
2. Crown rust :
The first signs of this disease are detected in the late stages of oats development –
after heading or at the time of grain filling. The leaves are covered with small,
scattered, bright orange pustules. The pustules may also
appear on the leaf sheaths, stems and panicles.
Eventually, they burst to release thousands of microscopic
spores.
Protection measures: - fungicide application -Selection of resistant varieties -Stubble
plowing and early deep winter plowing -Disinfection and pre-sowing seed treatment with
microelements (molybdenum, -zinc, copper,
manganese, cobalt) -Weed control -Crop rotation
3. Smut:
This disease destroys the spikelets of the plant, turning them
into a
black-olive spore mass. Only the axial parts of the spikelets
and
panicles are preserved. Sometimes only the lower
part of the panicle is affected.
Protection measures: -Crop rotation -Right sowing terms and methods -Use of trace elements
(boron, cobalt,
molybdenum, copper, manganese) -Seed treatment
PESTS MANAGEMENT :
Here are the most common pests affecting oats and oats pest control measures to
protect the crop from them:
1. Oats aphid
This oats pest sucks juices from the plant’s leaves and stems. Damaged leaves lose
color, turn yellow, and die off. The weight of the grain is also reduced.
Protection measures: -Stubble plowing and fall plowing -Early sowing -Selection of early
maturing varieties
2. Cereal leaf beetle
These beetles eat out the elongated holes in leaves. The larvae
leave the
epidermis untouched on the underside.
Protection measures: -Stubble plowing to a depth of 10-12 cm and early fall plowing -Spring
harrowing and presowing cultivation
3. Stem sawflies
The larva of this oats insect moves down the stem, feeding on its insides,
causing the stem to break off eventually.
Protection measures: -Deep fall plowing -Early sowing -Early harvesting
4. Frit fly
This oats insect damages the seedlings of a plant. The larvae feed on
embryonic tissues inside the lower part of a young stem until the growth
of
the stem stops. The signs of damage are wilting and yellowing of the
central leaf. If the main stem is damaged, the plant dies or the yield is
reduced by about half compared to a healthy plant.
Protection measures: -Optimal sowing dates
-Stubble plowing and fall plowing.
Growth stages
Germination:
The seeds now start to absorb water, expand, and grow. Oat seed is particularly
susceptible to infections at this stage.
Leaf development:
The first leaf of the plant occurs during this stage of oat
growth, breaching the
surface.
Tillering:
At this point, extra stems known as “tillers” start to
emerge and are joined to the
main stem underground. Tillering continues until the
plant switches to its
reproductive form and stops growing leaves.
Stem elongation:
This stage of oat growth is sometimes referred to as “jointing,” and it refers to the
nodes (joints) which appear above ground at this stage.
Flowering:
This is the oat plant’s blossoming stage. The panicle blooms first at the top. The
panicle’s outside edge continues to flower. Before the head fully emerges from the
boot, the plant may already be in bloom. Usually, the anthers are invisible.
Ripening:
The grain has grown to its full size and is fully mature at this point. As water is
lost, drying happens. Weather factors have a big impact on how long this time
period will last.
Senescence:
This is the last stage of oat growth. The plant is fully mature and ready
to be harvested.
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Practices
● Maturity signs for harvesting:
○ Grains are firm and have reached the hard dough stage.
○ The panicle has turned golden yellow.
● Harvesting methods:
○ Manual: Using sickles or scythes to cut the crop.
○ Mechanized: Using combine harvesters to cut, thresh, and
winnow the grain in a single operation.
● Post-harvest handling:
○ Drying: Reducing the moisture content of the grain to prevent spoilage. This can be
done by sun-drying or using mechanical dryers.
○ Threshing: Separating the grain from the panicle.
○ Winnowing: Removing chaff and other debris from the grain.
● Storage conditions and pest management during storage:
○ Store dried grain in clean, dry, and well-ventilated storage structures.
○ Protect grain from insect pests (e.g., weevils) and rodents by using appropriate storage
methods and pest control measures (e.g., fumigation, use of grain protectants).

Yield associated characters

Green fodder yield/plant has significant positive association
with………
 Plant height at 2nd cut
 Leaf area
 Tiller number
 Chlorophyll b content
 Yield
● Green Fodder Yield: 400-500 quintals/ha (40-50 tons/ha) is achievable with improved
varieties and recommended practices.
● Grain Yield: 1.5-2.0 t/ha.

Green fodder yield grain yield

Conclusion
Oat is a valuable fodder and grain crop with significant potential in India. ICAR-IGFRI has
played a crucial role in developing improved varieties and production technologies to
enhance oat productivity. By adopting the recommended practices outlined in this document,
farmers can increase their oat yields, improve livestock productivity, and contribute to
sustainable agriculture.
 REFERENCES :
1. https://krishi.icar.gov.in/jspui/bitstream/123456789/10746/2/Oats.pdf
2. http://www.igfri.res.in/
3. https://angrau.ac.in/#navbar-new
4. https://tnau.ac.in/
5. https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/IJAgS/article/download/122250/46539/332786
Acknowledgement

We, Aradhana Tudu and Anjan Nayak, would like to express our deepest gratitude to Dr
Soumen Bera sir for his invaluable guidance and insightful feedback throughout the course of
this research. We are also thankful to the participants who generously shared their time and
experiences.We are grateful to our classmates for their encouragement and technical
assistance.