The association of anaerobic conditions with high organic matter content in hydromorphic soils favors the development of anaerobic microorganisms that produce phytotoxic substances, especially short chain organic acids. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the response of 20 oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes to the exposure of acetic, propionic and butyric acids in hydroponic system. Three doses (0; 3 and 6 mM) of a mixture of the three acids at a 6:3:1 ratio, respectively were tested. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications on a factorial scheme. Measured variables were root (CR) shoot (CPA) length, root number (NR), root (MSR) and shoot (MSPA) dry matter. Variance analyses and regression fitness were performed. The effects of the interaction between doses and genotypes were significant for the variables CR and MSR. The regression curves indicated two genotypes (OR-3 e FAPA-5) with stable root growth and three (OR-3, UFRGS-17 e UPF-15) with stable dry matter accumulation under organic acid stresses. The characterization of these genotypes regarding organic acid phytotoxic action is an important resource for breeding programs aiming at to develop high yielding cultivars for no-tillage or minimal tillage systems in hydromorphic soils of southern Brazil.
Abiotic stress; phytotoxicity; genetic dissimilarity; genetic resources
