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Oats are recognized to provide many health benefits that are mainly associated with its dietary fibre, β-glucan. However, the protein derived from oats is largely understudied with respect to its ability to maintain health and attenuate risk factors of chronic diseases. The goal of the current study was to investigate the metabolic effects of oat protein consumption in lieu of casein as the protein source in high fat, high sucrose (HF/HS) fed Wistar rats. Four-week-old rats were divided into three groups and were fed three different experimental diets: a control diet with casein as the protein source, an HF/HS diet with casein, or an HF/HS diet with oat protein for 16 weeks. Heart structure and function were determined by echocardiography. Blood pressure measurements, an oral glucose tolerance test, and markers of cholesterol metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver and kidney damage were also performed. Our study results show that incorporation of oat protein in the diet was effective in preserving systolic heart function in HF/HS fed rats. Oat protein significantly reduced serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Furthermore, oat protein normalized liver HMG-CoAR activity, which, to our knowledge, is the first time this has been reported in the literature. Therefore, our research suggests that oat protein can provide hypocholesterolemic and cardioprotective benefits in a diet-induced model of metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is the main species used as a companion crop when establishing perennial forages in eastern Canada, and, although other annual species are used, they have not been systematically evaluated. A field study was conducted across five environments to contrast the use of six annual species (berseem clover, Trifolium alexandrinum L.; forage peas, Pisum sativum L.; annual ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum Lamarck; oat; Japanese millet, Echinochloa esculenta [A. Braun] H. Scholz; sudangrass, Sorghum × drummondii [Nees ex. Steud.] Millsp. & Chase) as companion crops for the establishment of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)‐timothy (Phleum pratense L.) mixtures. The control treatment consisted of the perennial species seeded without companion crop. Treatments were seeded at three dates and evaluated during the seeding and post‐seeding years. The performance of the six companion crops evaluated herein varied depending on the seeding date and the environment. For a mid‐May to early June seeding total seeding year forage mass was greatest with use of oat, Japanese millet, or sudangrass as companion crops; for a mid‐June to late June seeding with Japanese millet or sudangrass; and for a late July to early August seeding with oat or Japanese millet. These species, however, reduced in some environments seeding year alfalfa or timothy mass compared to a control seeded without a companion crop. Such reduction was also observed in some environments in the first post‐seeding year. Companion crop choice to establish alfalfa–timothy mixtures needs to take into consideration seeding date and forage needs on the short term versus the long term. Core Ideas: Oat is the main companion crop used to establish perennial forages, others can be used but information is limited.Use of oat, Japanese millet, or sudangrass as companion crop produce the greatest seeding year total forage mass.Most productive companion crop species resulted in 19%–31% reduction in first post‐seeding year forage mass.Use of berseem clover, annual ryegrass, and peas minimally impacted seeding and post‐seeding year forage mass.Selection of companion crops must consider seeding date and short‐ and long‐term forage needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To our knowledge, the study interconnection between inherent chemical functional group spectral features and nutrient utilisation is still limited. The objective of this study was to test the adequacy of vibrational Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy as a fast tool to assess the interactive relationship between the nutritive value of the Prairie cool‐season oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties in dairy cows and inherent chemical functional group spectral features. The chemical functional group spectral features of the Prairie cool‐season oat varieties in western Canada were determined by Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy. The protein‐related spectral parameters of chemical functional groups included peak height and peak area intensity of Amide I, Amid II, protein structural α‐helix and β‐sheet, and their ratios. The rumen degradation kinetics were determined using in situ techniques with four rumen‐canulated lactating dairy cows. The intestinal digestion was evaluated using a three‐step in vitro technique with 12 h preincubation. The experiment was an randomized complete block design. The data were analysed using the mixed‐model procedure of the Statistical Analysis System. The results showed that the interconnection between rumen degradation kinetics, intestinal digestion and true nutrient supply to dairy cows and protein‐related chemical functional group spectral features could be revealed by ATR‐FTIR with univariate and multi‐variate spectral analyses. These findings indicate that ruminant relevant nutritive value of cool‐season oats could be rapidly evaluated and predicted using oat‐specific functional group spectral characteristics which could be obtained by a non‐distractive bioanalytical tool of ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AAC Douglas is a white-hulled spring oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivar, with superior grain-yield potential in the western Canadian oat production areas, yielding 3.5% higher than Summit. AAC Douglas was registered for commercial production in Canada (Reg. No. 8950) on 21 February 2020. AAC Douglas has high protein (5% higher significantly (P=0.05) than AC Morgan) and beta-glucan content (10.6% higher than the nearest check, Summit), making it attractive for milling purposes. AAC Douglas is resistant to loose smut and covered smut, with moderately resistant to intermediate reactions to other diseases encountered in western Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mega‐environment (ME) analysis is analysis of multi‐year, multi‐location crop variety trial data conducted in a target region of a crop to understand the magnitude and nature of genotype‐by‐environment interaction (GE) of the crop in the region. If repeatable GE patterns are identified, then the target region must be divided into subregions or MEs. Breeding and utilizing ME‐specific cultivars will convert the repeatable GE into genotypic main effect (G) within ME, thereby improving heritability (selection reliability) and selection gain and maximize regional and overall productivity. If no repeatable GE is found, then the target region must be treated as a single ME and the GE must be accommodated by testing adequately, that is, at a sufficient number of locations in a sufficient number of years. This paper presents a theoretical framework of ME analysis, describes graphical tools to reveal the which‐won‐where patterns in a genotype‐by‐environment dataset, and demonstrates LG (location‐grouping) biplot analysis for revealing repeatable GE patterns and delineating MEs. The concept of G + GE or GGE, that is, GE relative to G, is emphasized. It is the relative GE that is the basis for ME analysis and breeding for specific adaptation; absolute magnitude of GE has little relevance for these purposes. Breeding ME‐specific oat cultivars in Canada is demonstrated with a real‐world example. Core Ideas: Proper mega‐environment analysis is a prerequisite for effective cultivar development.Mega‐environment delineation must be based on repeatable genotype‐by‐environment interaction patterns.Location‐grouping (LG) biplot is an effective graphical too for mega‐environment analysis.Examples were provided for mega‐environment analysis.An example was provided for breeding mega‐environment‐specific oat cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valorizing non‐conventional raw materials to obtain food products has become a crucial strategy of food processing industries for curbing the current depletion of natural resources worldwide. Thus, non‐conventional starches from protein extraction residues of Canadian oat cultivars are studied regarding their technological properties. Consequently, 29 variables are evaluated in starches originating from 18 oat grain samples harvested from nine locations in Canada. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to analyze the effects of location, cultivar, and their interaction on the properties. Data are also processed using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) to reduce the dataset's dimensionality. ANOVA reveals that the starches technological features are greatly affected by harvesting location. PCA and HCA grouped samples into three clusters, explaining >70% of the data variability. Cluster 1 shows the lowest means for each response variable. Cluster 2 presents the highest trough viscosity values, while cluster 3 shows a low swelling factor. For proximate analysis, significantly different values are found for ash and amylose contents. Structural and morphological studies indicate starches with low crystallinity and small, polygonal, and irregular starch granules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ergot is a fungal disease that occurs on cereals and grasses, including rye, oat, wheat, and barley. The ergot pathogen, Claviceps purpurea, infects the floret, and as infection progresses, it replaces individual kernels, appearing on the head as darkly coloured fungal bodies called sclerotia. Ergot is a grain-grading factor in Canada and can affect grain quality and value, as well as safety due to production of ergot alkaloids. Testing of durum fortified with ergot sclerotia showed that the presence of sclerotia resulted in black specks in semolina and pasta, but had no impact on milling performance or end-product quality. Surveillance performed as part of the Canadian Grain Commission's annual Harvest Sample and Cargo Monitoring Programs provided insights into ergot incidence and severity in different grains, growing locations, and years, as well as the presence of ergot alkaloids. Analysis of more than 230 000 Harvest Sample Program grain samples from western Canada across 25 years showed the highest ergot incidence and severity occurred in rye, followed by bread and durum wheat, and then barley and oats. Ergot incidence and severity varied annually, but only incidence increased over time. Analyses of bulk grain shipments indicated that the presence of ergot alkaloids reflected the disease incidence observed in the harvest samples (median ergot alkaloid concentrations in wheat and durum > oats and barley). Data on ergot alkaloids from the Cargo Monitoring Program also showed that the Canadian bulk grain-handling system mitigated the variability in annual ergot incidence and severity observed in harvest samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Incarcerated populations experience an elevated prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD). Federal correctional institutions in Canada have increasingly treated OUD among correctional populations via opioid agonist treatment (OAT) - an evidence based pharmacotherapy that works to reduce drug use and related health harms. However, there is limited evidence regarding incarcerated individuals' experiences with institutional-based OAT, as well potential OAT-related community release prospects. This information is important for optimal treatment retention and improved health. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a longitudinal follow-up study examining OAT-related experiences among federally incarcerated individuals before and after community release. This article focuses on the baseline (pre-release) data.Methods: This mixed-methods study examined OAT-related experiences and release prospects among n = 46 individuals scheduled for community release, recruited from seven federal prisons located in Ontario, Canada. Participants underwent a comprehensive interviewer-administered on-site assessment, including quantitative and qualitative items. Assessment data was furthermore linked to administrative correctional data. Data were analyzed using thematic qualitative and descriptive quantitative approaches.Results: Participants had complex histories with opioid use including related negative health outcomes. Experiences with institutional OAT were divergent and provision was not standardized; those with OAT engagement pre-admission did not experience many challenges, whereas those initiating OAT during incarceration experienced barriers such as treatment waitlists and adverse process experiences. Most participants expressed a preference for buprenorphine-naloxone over methadone, but described difficulties accessing it. Participants were keen to transition into community-based treatment, yet envisaged prospective barriers and facilitators concerning successful reintegration and treatment continuity.Conclusions: Major barriers towards the current administration of OAT in federal correctional systems in Canada exist, including extensive waitlists, non-standardized practices, and challenges accessing preferred OAT formulations; this contributes to sub-optimal treatment. Eliminating waitlists, standardizing OAT provision, providing additional OAT options, and more comprehensive release planning may be essential for treatment retention and positive outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As barley and oat production have recently increased in Canada, it has become prudent to investigate these cereal crops as potential feedstocks for alcoholic fermentation. Ethanol and other coproduct yields can vary substantially among fermented feedstocks, which currently consist primarily of wheat and corn. In this study, the liquified mash of milled grains from 28 barley (hulled and hull-less) and 12 oat cultivars were fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae to determine concentrations of fermentation products (ethanol, isopropanol, acetic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, αglycerylphosphorylcholine (α-GPC), and glycerol). On average, the fermentation of barley produced significantly higher amounts of ethanol, isopropanol, acetic acid, succinic acid, α-GPC, and glycerol than that of oats. The best performing barley cultivars were able to produce up to 78.48 g/L (CDC Clear) ethanol and 1.81 g/L α-GPC (CDC Cowboy). Furthermore, the presence of milled hulls did not impact ethanol yield amongst barley cultivars. Due to its superior ethanol yield compared to oats, barley is a suitable feedstock for ethanol production. In addition, the accumulation of α-GPC could add considerable value to the fermentation of these cereal crops. As barley and oat production have recently increased in Canada, it has become prudent to investigate these cereal crops as potential feedstocks for alcoholic fermentation. Ethanol and other coproduct yields can vary substantially among fermented feedstocks, which currently consist primarily of wheat and corn. In this study, the liquified mash of milled grains from 28 barley (hulled and hull-less) and 12 oat cultivars were fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae to determine concentrations of fermentation products (ethanol, isopropanol, acetic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, αglycerylphosphorylcholine (α-GPC), and glycerol). On average, the fermentation of barley produced significantly higher amounts of ethanol, isopropanol, acetic acid, succinic acid, α-GPC, and glycerol than that of oats. The best performing barley cultivars were able to produce up to 78.48 g/L (CDC Clear) ethanol and 1.81 g/L α-GPC (CDC Cowboy). Furthermore, the presence of milled hulls did not impact ethanol yield amongst barley cultivars. Due to its superior ethanol yield compared to oats, barley is a suitable feedstock for ethanol production. In addition, the accumulation of α-GPC could add considerable value to the fermentation of these cereal crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotype × environment interaction (GE) is a perennial problem in plant breeding and must be dealt with. Dealing with GE starts with differentiation of repeatable GE from unrepeatable GE in a target region. Repeatable GE can be used by dividing the target region into mega‐environments (MEs) and breeding ME‐specific cultivars, and unrepeatable GE must be accommodated by testing adequately within a ME. This study applied LG (location‐grouping) biplot analysis to several datasets from multiyear oat (Avena sativa L.) variety trials conducted at locations across Canada. Analysis showed that the oat growing regions in Canada can be divided into three MEs: the crown rust (Puccinia coronata Corda f. sp. avenae Eriks.) prone regions in southern and eastern Ontario (ME1), other regions in eastern Canada (ME2), and the Canadian Prairies (ME3). In addition, two sub‐MEs existed within ME2. Latitude was shown to be the main factor for the ME differentiation. The results suggest that oat variety trials should be conducted and cultivar recommendation be made according to MEs, as opposed to by administrative regions that are currently in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis, is a catastrophic disease that has and continues to cause yield losses in barley, oat, and wheat crops worldwide. Use of host resistance genes is the most economic, efficient, and environmentally best method to control the disease. Resistance genes have been incorporated into most commercial cultivars and have been effective, for races in the North American populations of P. graminis. However, new races of stem rust are constantly emerging and therefore it is imperative to monitor the virulence structure in the populations to detect new races with increased virulence. Stem rust samples were collected in 2013 and 2014 in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan to determine the incidence and severity of stem rust in barley (Hordeum vulgare), oat (Avena sativa), and wheat (Triticum aestivum) fields and to characterize the virulence dynamics in the pathogen populations. No stem rust was found in cultivated wheat, and incidence was at trace (<1%) levels in barley fields and very low (0–5%) levels in oat fields in 2013 and 2014. In wheat trap plots and collections from barley, race QFCSC of P. graminis f. sp. tritici was dominant in 2013 (85.9%) and was the only race found in 2014. Races MCCFC, QTHJF, RFCSC, RKQSC, and TMRTF were at low (<5%) levels in 2013. From collections in oat fields and stands of wild barley, nine races of P. graminis f. sp. avenae were found in 2013, with TJS (56.9%) and TJJ (23.5%) the most frequent. In 2014, we found only six races and TJS (74.5%) and TJJ (19.1%) were the most frequent. No new races of stem rust were detected in Canada in 2013 or 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Crown rust, caused by Puccinia coronata var. avenae f. sp. avenae (Urban & Marková) (Pca), is an economically significant problem in oat in Canada. The growing of crown rust resistant oat cultivars has been an important management practice. The development of oat cultivars with effective resistance requires knowledge of the virulence genes present in the pathogen population. This study's objective was to determine the presence and frequency of virulence to 24 oat lines with single Pc genes in isolates of Pca collected in Canada during 2010 to 2015. A total of 692 distinct races were identified, of which 603 were from the eastern Prairie region (EPR) and 89 from eastern Canada. None of the 24 Pc resistance genes studied was effective against all of the Pca isolates from the EPR. The frequency of virulence increased on 15 of the Pc differential lines in the EPR between 2010 and 2015, with the most dramatic increase from 0% to 67% being to Pc91. The most effective resistance genes were Pc94, Pc50, Pc96, Pc97, Pc98 and Pc101. Virulence to Pc58, Pc94, Pc98 and Pc101 was not observed in Pca isolates from eastern Canada. The race structure of the Pca population in Canada was highly variable, with more than 80% of the races identified each year represented by one Pca isolate. The race structure of the Pca populations in eastern Canada and the EPR were distinct, as 80% of the races identified from Pca isolates collected in eastern Canada were not detected in the EPR. The results of this study indicate that the Pca populations in the EPR and eastern Canada continue to evolve in their virulence dynamics, creating a challenge to breed oat lines with effective and stable resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall-grown cereal cover crops can serve dual purpose as forage in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Four experimental field trials and four on-farm validation trials were conducted to evaluate yield and quality of late-summer sown and fall harvested barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), and an oat-pea (Pisum sativum L.) mixture. Barley, oat, and the oat-pea mixture had similar yields where 50 to 67 kg N ha-1 was applied and when barley yields were not limited by Septoria (Septoria passerinii Sacc) leaf spot. Forage yields were increased at three of four experimental field trials by 0.3-0.7 Mg ha-1) when harvest was delayed from late October to mid-November. Later harvest dates increased nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC) (51-99 g kg-1) and decreased neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (16-54 g kg-1) and crude protein (CP) (19-47 g kg-1) with minimal effect on total digestible nutrients (TDN). Mid-fall harvested oat forage with 50 to 67 kg N ha-1 produced an average yield of 2.9 Mg ha-1. Oat forage quality was consistently high. Individual trial oat averages for NDF did not exceed 509 g kg-1, in-vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) was not less than 690 g kg-1, increased NFC was not less than 285 g kg-1 and TDN always exceeded 720 g kg-1. Addition of peas, increased CP by 28 g kg-1, with minimal impact on other nutritional quality characteristics. Oat or oat-pea mixtures, seeded as cover crops following winter cereal harvest are capable of producing satisfactory forage yields with excellent nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to reveal the effects of heating method and variety on (1) protein molecular structure spectral features revealed by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and (2) ruminant relevant protein chemical profiles, protein subfractions, rumen degradable protein (RDP), rumen undegradable protein (RUP), and intestinal protein digestibility using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) in oat varieties [CDC Nasser (feed-type oat) and CDC Seabiscuit (milling-type oat)]. Heating method included control (raw), dry heating (DH), moist heating (autoclaving, MH), and microwave irradiation (MIR). The dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents in CDC Nasser were 934, 107, and 252 g/kg DM, respectively; the contents of these nutrients in CDC Seabiscuit were 933, 110, and 268 g/kg DM, respectively. Heat processing significantly affected the total RDP (TRDP, P < 0.001), which was higher for DH than MIR and MH in CDC Nasser (5.46%, 5.01%, and 4.45%DM). Conversely, MIR had a higher value for TRDP than DH and MH in CDC Seabiscuit (5.32%, 5.24%, and 4.51%DM). The total RUP (TRUP) was higher for MH than MIR and DH in both varieties (P < 0.001). The intestinal digestible feed protein was similar between the varieties (P = 0.308); however, DH and MH reduced the value, while MIR increased it compared to the control (P = 0.010) for both varieties. The results from the ATR-FTIR analysis showed an interaction between varieties and heat processing in the protein secondary structures α-helix (P = 0.003), β-sheet (P = 0.031), and their ratio (P = 0.030). Moreover, in the multivariate analyses, no independent groups were observed between the raw and the three heat processing methods in the protein-related molecular structure of oats. In conclusion, heat processing altered the protein subfractions, the TRDP, and TRUP, affecting intestinal protein digestibility. The ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with univariate molecular analysis showed heat processing-induced molecular structure changes in the protein-related spectral profiles in CDC Nasser and CDC Seabiscuit. • Impact of variety and thermal processing methods on ruminant relevant nutrition value of cool-season oat grain were studied. • Protein molecular structure spectral features of oat grain were impacted by thermal processing methods and varieties. • Protein responses to technological processing methods differed. • The vibrational spectroscopy with chemometrics could be used to detect the processing induced molecular structure responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The hypothesis that positive and negative interactions account for adaptive strategies was tested in a controlled study with two oat ( Avena sativa) genotypes: 'Manotick' with erect leaves and 'Oa1316-1' with prostrate leaves. An increasing competition pattern was designed by varying the number of seeds planted in each container and the space between containers, thus creating different planting density regimes (i.e. alternative and solid treatments). RESULTS Total biomass of individual plants tended to decrease exponentially with increasing density in both genotypes. Under high density stress, Manotick allocated more biomass to the roots and produced 50% more tillers, leading to more non-productive tillers and lower harvest index in the alternative than in the solid treatment. In contrast, Oa1316-1 allocated more biomass to panicles and stems, and less to the roots, with fewer tillers. CONCLUSIONS With increasing density and strengthening intraspecific competition, Manotick reduced aboveground biomass allocation, leading to lower yield, while Oa1316-1 decreased allocation to the roots, but increased allocation to the panicles under an increasingly competitive environment. These adjustments were mechanically derived from negative and positive interactions, ensuring greater yield in the prostrate type. Our findings provided a novel rationale for a planting strategy based on plant type selections. © 2015 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2010, Health Canada approved a heath claim acknowledging the link between increased oats ( Avena sativa)-soluble fibre consumption and a reduction in total serum cholesterol levels. The approval also recognized the relationship between decreased total blood cholesterol concentration and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. The functional food ingredient believed to be responsible for the hypocholesterolemic property of oats is β-glucan, a highly viscous, soluble fibre composed of d-glucose monomers linked by a combination of β-(1→4) and β-(1→3) glycosidic bonds. Found mainly in the endosperm cell wall of oats, β-glucan is thought to reduce total serum and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by forming a viscous mass in the small intestine thus limiting intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol as well as the re-absorption of bile acids. Given the evolution of research information with time as a result of the continual, rapid generation of new research data by laboratories around the world, it became imperative to examine the compatibility of the conclusion reached by Health Canada on the basis of the body of evidence contained in the initial petition submitted in January 2007, with newer post-2006 data. After careful evaluation, this work concludes on the basis of new research information that a dose of 3 g/day oat β-glucan consumed as part of a diet 'free of saturated fatty acids' or 'low in saturated fatty acids' could help to promote cardiovascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Six Canadian oat cultivars were grown at 8 locations across Canada in a RCBD. • Free phenolic compounds (PCs) of oat groat flour were analysed using a UPLC system. • PCs found included protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid & avenanthramide. • Phenolic acid concentration was influenced by genotype, environment and their interaction. • Avenanthramide concentration of oat groat was influenced by the growing environment. Phenolic compounds (PC) in oat may possess health promoting properties. This study evaluated the effect of genotype, environment, and their interaction on the phenolic acid and avenanthramide (AVN) concentration in Canadian oat. Six cultivars were grown at eight locations across Canada in a randomised complete block design with three field replicates. Free PCs were extracted from oat groat flour and analysed using a UPLC–PDA system. The cumulative concentration of free PCs and AVN ranged from 58 to 350 and 9 to 244 µg/g, respectively. The effect of environment was significant (p < 0.0001) for the concentration of all PCs. Cultivar differences significantly influenced the concentration of all PCs but AVNs A and B. The growing location explained > 68% of the variation in the concentration of AVN. Thus understanding the genotypic and environmental triggers of individual PCs may help agronomists and breeders strategize in selecting and growing oat cultivars of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Consumers perceived plant-based alternatives (PBAs) as healthy and sustainable. • Consumers liked the sweet and creamy attributes of PBAs. • Beany and other off-flavours detract from consumers' liking of PBAs. • Flavouring (chocolate and vanilla) increased the acceptability of PBAs. Plant-based milk alternatives (PBAs) are growing in popularity, which has led to the creation of many novel beverages from cereals, legumes, nuts, seeds, and pseudocereals. As such, the aim of this study was to evaluate consumer attitudes towards, and perception of PBAs currently offered on the market in Canada. First, a survey was conducted asking participants (n = 323) to complete a word association task investigating PBAs. Then six different PBAs (oat, almond, soy, pea, cashew, and coconut) were evaluated using nine-point hedonic scales and check-all-that-apply questions by consumers (n = 88). Lastly, consumers (n = 80) evaluated the acceptability of flavoured PBAs (chocolate and vanilla). Participants associated PBAs with health benefits, sustainability, and sensory characteristics. PBAs made from almond, oat, and pea were liked significantly more than PBAs made from cashews, but not more than coconut or soy PBAs. Perception of sweet, creamy, smooth, nutty, and white attributes increased the participants' liking of PBAs, while attributes such as aftertaste, brown, beany, watery, and off-flavour detracted from it. The flavouring (chocolate and vanilla) increased the participants' liking of almond and oat PBAs. Future studies should investigate other PBAs made from different ingredients and how flavouring can improve the acceptability of PBAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the annual genotype x location interaction patterns for dietary fiber, groat percentage and grain yield for oat in the Canadian Prairies. Simulation revealed that three test locations could be enough to represent the region and offer reliable information for related grain yield of different genotypes. It showed that dietary fiber content and groat percentage were more heritable than grain yields and need fewer test locations for reliable option.

A growing body of evidence suggests that a majority of people with celiac disease and on a gluten-free diet can safely consume pure oats in moderate amounts; however, previous studies have indicated that the commercial oat supply in other countries, and in Canada to some extent, is contaminated with other grains. This study has confirmed that the commercial oat supply in Canada is heavily contaminated with gluten from other grains. Approximately 88% of the oat samples (n = 133) were contaminated above 20 mg kg−1 and there were no differences between the oat types tested. Only one gluten-free variety of oats was analysed and it consistently provided negative results in all analyses. It is difficult to determine where the contamination originates, but there are possibilities for cross-contamination in the field, in the transport of the grain, in the storage of the grain, and in the milling and packaging facilities. It is clear from this study that only those products that have been certified 'pure' oats would be appropriate for a gluten-free diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a genetic study that aims to characterize the inheritance of stem rust resistance caused by Puccinia graminis (Pg) in the oat cultivars Ronald and AC Gwen, which are recommended for production in the rust area of Canada. Based on the results of the rust testing, both oat cultivars possess two resistance genes, namely, the dominant gene Pg2 and recessive gene Pg13. It notes that the study was able to confirm the limited base of stem rust resistance in oat cultivars in Canada.

Stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis, is a disease of cereal crops worldwide. In Canada, it is primarily controlled using resistant cultivars. Tracking the virulence structure in the pathogen populations is essential to detect new virulent races that may occur. Surveys of barley (Hordeum vulgare), oat (Avena sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) fields and trap nurseries were conducted to provide incidence and severity information and to identify the virulence structure in the pathogen populations. Stem rust samples were collected in Manitoba and Saskatchewan in 2006. Stem rust was not found on cultivated wheat and was at trace levels in barley and oat fields. From wheat and barley samples, four races of P. graminis f. sp. tritici were found and QFCSC (89%) was predominant. Thirteen races of P. graminis f. sp. avenae were found in 2006. From cultivated oat samples, the predominant races were TJJ (67%), TJS (17%), and TGD (9%). From wild oat samples, the predominant races were TJJ (40%), TGD (23%), and TGB (12%). Two new races of P. graminis f. sp. avenae (TGN and TJN) with virulence to Pg12 but avirulence to Pg13 were detected on both cultivated and wild oat both in Manitoba and Saskatchewan in 2006. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unfavourable environmental conditions for crown rust [Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae] during 2007-2009 resulted in light incidence of crown rust on oat (Avena sativa) in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan. The first appearance of crown rust on 11 August in 2008 and on 15 August in 2009 was the latest ever seen in this region over the past three decades. Using 19 oat crown rust differentials, a large number of races were identified from isolates from wild oat each year, and a large proportion of the races were represented by a single isolate. There were significant differences between isolates from wild oat and cultivated oat in frequency of virulence to several genes in some years. Virulence frequency to Pc48, a gene in 'Triple Crown', was between 8.2-14.1% in isolates from wild oat and between 11.5-18.2% in isolates from cultivated oat during 2007-2009. Frequency of virulence to Pc68 was between 42.3-45.9% and 70.8-81.8% in isolates from wild oat and cultivated oat, respectively. As cultivars with the Pc38, 39, 68-gene combination were still commonly grown during these years, races with virulence to this gene combination were abundant. These cultivars were gradually replaced by new cultivars with different resistance genes. By 2009, 'Leggett' (Pc68, 94) accounted for 17.9% of the total oat hectarage, and 'HiFi' (Pc91) accounted for 3.0%. During 2007-2009, virulence to Pc94 was low (≤ 1.8%) or not detected, virulence to Pc91 was found in a single isolate, and virulence to gene temp_pc97 or temp_Pc98 was either low or not detected. The huge increase in frequency of virulence to Pc45 in 2008 and 2009 was most likely a result of isolates with this virulence migrating into the prairie region from the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study that investigates the resistance of barley, oats and wheat to smut diseases in western Canada. It explores the taxonomy of the pathogens of smut disease as well as the methods used in evaluating its pathogenic variability in small grain cereals. It also offers information on the techniques used in inoculating cultivar lines of smut disease resistance along with its role in the country's regulatory system.

Recently a new super-genotype of oat has been developed in the Crop Development Center called CDC SO-I (‘SuperOat’: low lignin and high fat). In a previous study, we evaluated total metabolizable protein using a TDN-based model-NRC-2001 which is popular in North America. However, the TDN-based NRC model is not accepted universally. The objectives of this study were to use a complex non-TDN based model, the DVE/OEB system, to evaluate potential nutrient supply to ruminants from the SuperOat in comparison with two normal varieties of oats (CDC Dancer and Derby) in western Canada. The quantitative predictions were made in terms of: (i) truly absorbed rumen synthesized microbial proteins in the small intestine; (ii) truly absorbed rumen undegraded feed protein in the small intestine; (iii) endogenous protein in the digestive tract; (iv) total truly absorbed protein in the small intestine; and (v) protein degraded balance. Results showed that using the DVE/OEB system to predict the potential nutrient supply, it was found that the SuperOat had similar truly absorbed rumen synthesized microbial protein levels (61, 63, 59 g/kg DM, P > 0.05, for SuperOat, CDC Dancer and Derby, respectively), higher truly absorbed rumen undegraded feed protein than CDC Dancer (22 vs. 17 g/kg DM P < 0.05, for SuperOat, CDC Dancer, respectively), but similar to Derby (22 vs. 21 g/kg DM; P > 0.05), and similar endogenous protein (16, 16, 18 g/kg DM; P > 0.05). Total truly absorbed protein in the small intestine is only numerically higher in the SuperOat (67 vs. 65, 62 g/kg DM, P > 0.05, for CDC Dancer and Derby, respectively). However, the protein degraded balance was significantly different ( P < 0.05) with a positive value for the SuperOat (7.0 g/kg DM) and negative values for two normal varieties (−1.5, −6.8 g/kg DM for CDC Dancer and Derby, respectively). In conclusion, the model predicted significantly different protein degradation balance. The SuperOat had positive degradation balance but other two normal varieties had negative protein degraded balance However, the SuperOat had similar total absorbed protein value to the two normal varieties of oats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oat is mainly produced in northern latitude countries such as Canada, which is world's second largest producer. Hence it is necessary to study the environmental impacts of alternative farming systems to conventional oat production in order to improve its environmental performance. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to compare the environmental impacts and potential improvement opportunities of conventional and organic oat grain production using three different functional units (FU); per mass (t−1 of grains), surface area (ha−1) and gross sales income (1000 CAD−1). Most data were collected from a major farm located in Quebec, Canada. Our analysis shows that organic production is globally preferable based on the area and monetary FUs, whereas conventional production has lower impacts for 11 midpoint impact categories per ton of grain produced. In addition, organic production has higher damages on human health and ecosystem quality, both per ton of grain and per hectare. The relevance of each FU is discussed in the article. The hotspots of conventional oat production are the production and use of synthetic fertilizers, while those of organic oat production are the use of organic fertilizers and manure transportation. A sensitivity analysis showed that the choice of the N 2 O emission factor and phosphorus emission model considerably affects the magnitude of the impacts on climate change and freshwater eutrophication. Also, the implementation of green manure in the rotation system and the reduction of manure transport distances would significantly affect the results. In conclusion, our LCA case study does not support the idea that converting conventional oat grain production to organic agriculture would systematically decrease environmental impacts in eastern Canada. The environmental benefits largely depend on specific farmer practices and regional context. • Organic and conventional oat production systems were compared through a full LCA • Organic oat has low environmental impacts per area cultivated and sales income • Conventional oat has low environmental impacts per product unit • N 2 O and P emission models strongly affect the comparison of both production systems • Green manures strongly improve the environmental performance of both systems [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the races of Puccinia graminis fungus, which causes stem rust in cereal crops, in Canada in 2005. Surveys were conducted in agricultural plantation of wheat, barley, and oats to determine the incidence, severity, and virulence of P. graminis populations. Stem rust samples collected from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec revealed three races different from those found in the Prairie region and a new race of P. graminis f. sp. Avenae (TJS).

Persons suffering from celiac disease (CD) must avoid foods containing gluten or those contaminated with wheat, barley, or rye. This study was designed to estimate gluten contamination of cereal-based foods available in Canada, whether labelled gluten-free or not. About half of the 148 foods sampled were labelled as gluten-free. According to R5-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), twenty-three cereal-based foods (or 15%) contained more than 20 mg of gluten per kg, including sixteen regular and seven gluten-free foods, the latter being the least contaminated. When used in combination with R5-ELISA, AOAC-ELISA (not detecting barley) was a simple and efficient tool to roughly estimate the nature of the gluten contamination, which was later confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction for barley, and wheat/barley/rice. Rice-, corn- or quinoa-based foods were the safest for celiac patients. In addition to misleading food labelling for both gluten-rich and gluten-free foods, critical issues for persons with CD included foods made with oats or buckwheat (contaminated with wheat and barley gluten) in addition to those, such as breakfast cereals, specifically enriched with barley malt ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and fifty-six samples of breakfast cereals were collected from the Canadian retail marketplace over a 3-year period. The samples were analysed for the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, HT-2 toxin, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, and fumonisins B1 and B2 to contribute to dietary exposure estimates in support of the development of Canadian guidelines for selected mycotoxins in foods. The samples included corn-, oat-, wheat- and rice-based cereals, as well as mixed-grain cereals, and were primarily from North American processors. Overall, deoxynivalenol was the most frequently detected mycotoxin - it was detected in over 40% of all samples analysed. Fumonisins and ochratoxin A were each detected in over 30% of all samples. Zearalenone was detected in over 20% of all samples. Nivalenol and HT-2 toxin were each detected in only one sample. The survey clearly demonstrated regular occurrence of low levels of multiple mycotoxins in breakfast cereals on the Canadian market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desirable qualities of milling oat varieties include low hull content (high groat content), high beta-glucan content, high groat protein, low oil concentration, low kernel breakage, high grain yield, and superior yield stability. The objective of this study was to develop a graphical method for understanding the influence of environment on genetic relationships among traits. Associations among agronomic and quality traits in 67 oat (Avena sativa L.) performance trials conducted during 1996-2003 across Canada and some northern US states were studied using a trait-association by environment biplot, which allows visual study of pair-wise trait associations in multiple environments (year-location combinations). Based on the differential association of yield with days to heading and plant height, the North American spring oat growing regions can be divided into Northern mega-environment (Canadian Prairies plus North Dakota and Idaho) and Southern mega-environment (Minnesota, South Dakota, and Ontario). We also found that the following trait associations were relatively stable across environments: (1) negative association of protein content vs. oat yield, (2) positive association of beta-glucan vs. groat oil, (3) positive association of beta-glucan vs. protein content, and (4) negative association of beta-glucan vs. breakage. All trait-associations were of moderate magnitude and were responsive to the environment. This suggests that breeding for superior oat varieties with desired trait combinations is possible, but it must be achieved through direct selection for multiple traits in representative environments. doi:10.1300/J411v20n01_01 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Oat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. avenae, can cause significant yield losses in the eastern prairie region of western Canada. Currently, the predominant race of P graminis f. sp. avenae in this region is NA67. Few genes confer resistance to NA67, and none are present in any oat cultivars registered for production in Canada. To detect lines exhibiting resistance to race NA67, we evaluated 9,978 accessions from 22 Avena spp. in field nurseries from 2001 to 2004. in all, 35 accessions were highly resistant and 12 were moderately resistant, comprised mostly of the species A. strigosa. Seventy-one accessions had an intermediate response, comprised mostly of A. abyssinica, A. barbata, A. sterilis, and A. vaviloviana. All other accessions (9,860 = 98.8%) were susceptible to race NA67. Some highly resistant accessions were found to have been incorrectly classified previously as hexaploid species A. sativa or A. sterilis, and were confirmed by chromosome counts to be diploid or tetraploid. The most promising source of novel stem rust resistance is from the diploid species A. strigosa. Transfer of resistance from diploid and teiraploid species to A. saliva is very difficult, but the lines identified in this study should prove useful as new sources of resistance to oat stem rust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidic nickel (Ni)-contaminated soils in the vicinity of a Ni refinery at Port Colborne (Ontario, Canada) cause Ni phytotoxicity and require remediation. Thus, a greenhouse test with 11 plant species with a wide range of susceptibility to Ni toxicity was conducted to determine if Ni phytotoxicity of all species could be ameliorated by a high rate of limestone. At the original pH of 5.2, the Welland soil (Typic Epiaquoll; 2900 mg kg-1 Ni) was severely phytotoxic to all plant species tested. Toxicity symptoms in dicots included interveinal chlorosis and necrosis of leaves. In grasses, a banded chlorosis was present. Two limestone rates, 2.5 and 50 Mgha-1, were included in the test. Both liming and plant species significantly affected soil pH, and 0.01 M Sr(NO3)2-extractable soil Ni. Increase in pH exponentially decreased Sr(NO3)2-extractable soil Ni. Grass species were more resistant to Ni toxicity than dicots. Liming soil to pH of 5.9-6.3 enabled good growth of several grass species, but dicot species were still stunted or died. Making the soil calcareous (pH 7.7-7.8) ameliorated Ni toxicity of this highly contaminated soil for all species tested. Concentration of Ni in shoots associated with 25% yield reduction varied among species ranging from 9 to 122 mg kg-1 dry shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the physiologic specialization of Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae, the cause of oat crown rust, in Canada from 1999 to 2001. Identification of isolates with virulence to several gene combinations in the eastern prairie region in 1999 and 2000; Analysis of pertinent topics and relevant issues; Implications on studies of plant pathology.

There is longstanding concern that modern plant breeding reduces crop genetic diversity. Such reduction may have consequences both for the vulnerability of crops to changes in their pests and diseases and for their ability to respond to changes in climate and agricultural practices. This concern, however, has not been well validated in recent molecular studies of genetic diversity of several crop species. The objective of this study was to assess allelic diversity changes in 96 Canadian oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars released from 1886 to 2001 by means of 30 simple sequence repeats (SSRs). A total of 62 alleles were found from 11 informative SSR loci. Thirty-nine alleles were detected infrequently (frequency ≤ 0.15) among the cultivars and only two alleles were observed frequently (frequency ≥ 0.95). Analyses of the dynamics of SSR alleles over time in these oat cultivars revealed random patterns of allelic change at three loci, shifting patterns of change at one locus, increasing patterns of change at two loci, and decreasing patterns of change at five loci. Significant decrease of alleles was detected in cultivars released after 1970 and also in some specific breeding programs. Three different band-sharing analyses of the genetic diversity of the grouped cultivars, however, failed to detect significant diversity changes among cultivars released from different breeding periods or programs. These findings indicate that allelic diversity at particular loci, rather than average genetic diversity, is sensitive to oat breeding practices. They also indicate the need for attention to be paid to oat germplasm conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Saflufenacil is a new herbicide being developed by BASF for pre-emergence application for broadleaved weed control in maize and other crops. Three field studies were conducted in Ontario, Canada over a 2-year period (2006 and 2007) to evaluate the tolerance of spring cereals (barley, oats, and wheat) to pre-emergence and post-emergence applications of saflufenacil at 50 and 100gaiha−1. Saflufenacil pre-emergence caused minimal visible injury (1% or less) at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after emergence and had no adverse effect on plant height or yield of barley, oats, and wheat. Saflufenacil plus the surfactant Merge (1% v/v) applied post-emergence caused as much as 76, 60, 52 and 35% visible injury in spring cereals at 3, 7, 14 and 28 DAT, respectively. Injury with saflufenacil plus Merge applied post-emergence decreased over time and was generally greater as dose increased. Saflufenacil plus Merge applied post-emergence reduced plant height by as much as 16% and reduced yield of spring barley and wheat by 24 and 13%, respectively, but had no effect on the yield of spring oats. Based on these results, saflufenacil applied pre-emergence at the proposed dose can be safely used in spring planted barley, oats and wheat; however, the post-emergence application of saflufenacil results in unacceptable injury and yield loss. These results are consistent with the proposed pre-emergence use pattern for saflufenacil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The presence of gluten-containing grains in oat groats is not uncommon. Many countries with regulations on "gluten-free" labeling of foods, such as the US, EU and Canada, have a 20 mg/kg (ppm) limit and allow "gluten-free" claims on oat products, provided that the limit is not exceeded. The non-uniform spatial distribution of gluten-containing grains in a bulk lot poses a challenge when selecting a representative sample of oat groats from a lot to determine if the lot is within regulatory compliance limits. A probability-based method for evaluating sampling plan designs was developed. A balanced nested experimental design was used to estimate gluten concentration in 16 laboratory samples from each of 10 mini-lots of oat groats spiked with varying amounts of wheat kernels used as the gluten source. The total variance of the gluten test procedure was partitioned into the variances between laboratory samples (Vs), test portions (Vtp) and aliquots tested (Va). From regression analysis, each variance was found to be a function of gluten concentration (G): Vs = (100 / Ns) 35.0880 G , Vtp = (1 / Ntp) 20.0078 G and Va = ((1 / Na) 0.0264) G 1.5167 , where Ns is laboratory sample size in g, Ntp is test portion size in g, and Na is number of aliquots analyzed for gluten. The observed gluten distribution among samples of oat groats tended to follow gamma and negative binomial distributions compared to normal and lognormal distributions, especially at low gluten concentrations. An R program was developed using the relation of variance with gluten concentration and negative binomial distribution to compute and plot an operating characteristic (OC) curve for various gluten sampling plan designs. The OC curve was used to predict the acceptance (or rejection) probability of a bulk lot at given gluten concentration by a specific sampling plan design. The effect of change in laboratory sample size, test portion size, number of laboratory samples and manufacturer's accept/reject limit (generally lower than the regulatory limit) on the OC curve was determined. • A balanced nested design was used to evaluate sampling plans for gluten in oat groats. • The variance between laboratory samples contributed highest towards total variance. • Negative binomial distribution was chosen for gluten distribution in oat groats. • The effect of sampling parameters on operating characteristic curves was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Technological processing impacted physiochemical and nutritional characteristics of cool-climate adapted oat grain. • The processing induced the molecular structure changes in amide i and II, alpha-helix and beta-sheet profiles. • Processing methods highly impacted rumen degradation and intestinal and total tract digestion. • Multivariate molecular analysis showed there was overlap among the processing treatments using PCA. • Vibrational molecular spectroscopy could reveal molecular structure changes which associated with nutrient supply. Processing cereal grains can lead to an improvement in nutrient digestibility and have an impact on the rate and site of grain nutrients digestion. There are several methods of processing and it is important to understand which processing method is better recommended for dairy cows ration with cool-climate adapted oat grain. The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of processing methods (Rolling, Steam-Flaking, Pelleting) on the nutritional and digestive characteristics and the protein related molecular spectral profiles of cool-climate adapted oats grain in comparison to barley grain. Results showed that heat treating oats (steam-flaking and pelleting) did not alter SCP of cool-climate adapted oats grain. Steam-flaking increased the intermediate degradable protein fraction PB1 (+13.68% CP), while reduced PA2 (−17.19% CP) fraction when compared to rolled oats. Steam-flaking also increased bypass CP (+14.71%BCP) while decreasing the EDCP in the rumen (−14.71%). In the DVE/OEB system, steam-flaked oats and pelleted oats presented lower values of OEB when compared to rolled oats, but they were higher than the value for rolled barley. Univariate analysis of the protein molecular structure features showed only changes in the protein beta-sheet height, with flaked oats presenting the higher value, pelleted oats showing the lowest value and rolled barley and oats showing intermediate values. There was overlap among the treatments when analyzed with PCA, implying similar molecular structure among the treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]