When selecting varieties, consideration
should be given to straw characteristics
in relation to soil fertility and degree of exposure of fields. Care should be taken with nitrogen applications
on weaker-strawed varieties which are more susceptible to lodging.
Varieties differ
in resistance to diseases which can reduce yields if infections are severe. Resistant varieties should
be grown in order to avoid infection and reduce the need for fungicide use.
Figures
indicating resistance to disease reflect the current situation. Susceptibility to mildew may increase
quite rapidly in only a few years and it is therefore advisable to inspect crops of all varieties regularly
for disease infection during the growing season.
If minimal fungicide usage is planned,
varieties should be considered on the basis of their untreated yields. Where fungicides are to be applied,
the fungicide treated yield should be a better guide bearing in mind that disease control measures used
in trials are designed to keep disease to a minimum with no economic restrictions.
It
is unwise to sow a large area with a new variety until some experience has been gained with it and it
has been found to be well suited to the conditions of the farm.
When growing oats
for the quality or horse feed markets careful post-harvest husbandry is essential. Good drying procedures
must be rigorously followed to avoid deterioration of the grain and the resulting bitter taste.
