Variation in avenanthramide content in spring oat over multiple environments

• Published in: Journal of cereal science 2020-01, Vol.91, p.102886, Article 102886
• Main Authors: Michels, Deanna K., Chatham, Laura A., Butts-Wilmsmeyer, Carrie J., Juvik, John A., Kolb, Frederic L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0733-5210; 1095-9963
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2019.102886

Avenanthramides (AVNs), a group of phytochemicals which are unique to oats, provide health benefits through antioxidant activity and other bioactivities. In this study, we explored genotype-by-environment interactions and heritability for AVN concentrations in oats. Avenanthramide concentrations were quantified for 100 breeding lines and cultivars at three locations over two years. While year and environment had an influence on AVN concentrations, with the influence of year being more apparent than that of environment within a year, genotype had the largest impact on AVN concentration. All three major AVNs were found to be heritable. Two methods of calculating heritability on a line mean basis were used. The statistical method yielded heritability estimates of 0.34, 0.39, and 0.41 for AVN 2c, AVN 2p, and AVN 2f, respectively. By comparison the traditional plant breeding method yielded heritability estimates of 0.82, 0.88, and 0.89 for AVN 2c, AVN 2p, and AVN 2f, respectively, indicating that expected gains will be dependent on the scale of the breeding program, the number of target environments, and climate variability. The estimated heritabilities and the 11-fold range in AVN concentrations in the 100 genotypes studied provided evidence that variability for AVN concentration should allow breeding progress for higher AVN concentration. Avenanthramide Year × Genotype Interaction: Avenanthramideconcentration was quantified for 100 oat breeding lines and cultivars over two years. Oat avenanthramideconcentration heritability and G × E interactions were estimated. Genotype had a large impact on avenanthramideconcentration. [Display omitted] •Avenanthramide concentration was quantified for 100 oat breeding lines and cultivars.•Oat avenanthramide concentration heritability and G × E interactions were estimated.•Genotype had a large impact on avenanthramide concentration.•An 11-fold range in avenanthramide concentration was found in the genotypes studied.•Selection for oat avenanthramide concentration should be possible.