Assessment of Important Technological Parameters of New Moroccan Domesticated Tetraploid Oat Lines of Avena Magna (original) (raw)

PROCEEDINGS ON APPLIED BOTANY, GENETICS AND BREEDING

Oat cultivation was introduced to Morocco during the French Protectorate in the 1920s. Oat is mainly cropped in areas with high rainfall and known to be used for animal feed. Due to its high nutritive value, there is an increased demand in oat for human consumption. A breeding programme was launched by the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), aiming the development of new tetraploid oat lines of Avena magna Murph. et Terr., having a high nutritive value for human consumption. Nine tetraploid oat lines of A. magna were assessed for their technological performance. Physicochemical analyses were performed, including moisture, ash, proteins, fibre fractions, lipids, carbohydrates, and minerals. The lines were compared with each other and two wild parental lines of A. magna using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Statistical analysis revealed noteworthy differences in the chemical composition between the cultivars. There was a very significant difference (P<0.001) in the content of proteins (11.45-13.92%), fat (3.89-10.15%), carbohydrates (48.99-57.86%), and ash (1.7-3.73%) in the groat (grain with hulls). Analysis of total fibre fractions (NDF, ADF, ADL and CF) showed the presence of substantial differences between the assessed lines. The highest protein contents, 13.62% and 13.92% were found in the domesticated lines of A. magna. In addition, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium were the most important major minerals in oat, while iron, manganese, and zinc were the dominant minor minerals. This study's outcome suggests that Moroccan domesticated tetraploid oat lines were within a suitable range of nutrients with good computed (calculated) energy, and may serve as a source of beneficial compounds for human nutrition.