Morphological, Anatomical, and Chemical Characteristics Associated With Lodging Resistance in Avena Sativa

Abstract In subtropical environments, lodging occurs at all stages of an oat plant development, particularly after panicle's appearance, causing severe yield reduction. This study's objective was to identify the morphological, chemical, and anatomical characteristics of the culm that are associated with lodging resistance in oats and that can be used to identify and select resistant genotype. A set of different genotypes with diverse response to lodging were grown in nine environments, combining sowing densities, years, and growing seasons within the same year. Were carried out morphological, anatomical, and chemical evaluations for primary culms. Shorter culm length and larger culm thickness in the first expanded basal internode are morphological characteristics associated with lodging resistance in Avena sativa. No differences in lignin and cellulose contents were observed, however, there were differences in the distribution pattern and in the intensity of staining of lignin and cellulose. Resistant genotypes showed higher number of layers of cells in the subdermal parenchyma. The most practical and easily selectable feature for lodging resistance in a breeding program remains plant height together with culm thickness in the first basal internode.