EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL-FACTORS ON THE BETA-GLUCAN CONTENT OF 2 OAT VARIETIES

The effects of environmental factors on the beta-glucan content of oats were studied in Finland. The test varieties were the two popular Finnish oat varieties, Puhti and Veli. The varieties Puhti and Veli were studied at eight locations over a three-year period from 1988 to 1990. Grain yield, thousand grain weight, protein content and beta-glucan content were evaluated in the test varieties. Significant differences were found in these characteristics between years, trials and varieties. The mean beta-glucan content of the varieties was higher in 1988 than in 1989 and 1990. The year 1988 was warmer than 1989 and 1990. Grain yields were lower and average seed sizes were smaller in 1988 than in 1989 and 1990. The beta-glucan content of the present experimental varieties was increased by high mean temperature in the growing period and low soil pH. The mean temperature of the growing period (x(1)) and soil pH (x(2)) explained 64% of the variation in the beta-glucan content (y) of Puhti (y = 0.164x(1) - 0.212x(2) + 2.535) and 69% of the variation in the beta-glucan content of Veli (y = 0.197x(1) - 0.192x(2) + 1.632) as calculated by multiple step-wise regression analysis. A high temperature in the growing period and low soil pH increased the beta-glucan content of oats. The statistical models were significant for both varieties.