Gibberellic acid and grazing in oats
Jessica Lemon1, Ashley Wallace2, Genevieve Clarke2 
1Birchip Cropping Group; 2Agriculture Victoria
Funding: DAV00143
Peer review: Alison Frischke (BCG) and Tim McClelland (Model Agronomics)
Key Words: giberillic acid, grazing cereals, oats, growth regulators
Key messages
- Current knowledge of the effects of gibberellic acid application to oats is limited.
- In 2016 GA had no impact on biomass or feed quality of oats.
- Exceptional growing conditions and a mild winter may have reduced effects of GA.
Background
This research was conducted to give growers a better understanding of the effects of gibberellic acid (GA) on oats in terms of changes to production, plant recovery for hay and grain yields and likely economics.
Aim
To measure the biomass production response and feed quality of oats under different timings of gibberellic acid application and grazing.
Method
A replicated field trial was sown into clay loam soils at Warmur (near Birchip) using a randomised block design. Assessments included establishment counts, crop biomass and feed quality measurements taken at several timings, lodging scores, grain quality and yield parameters.
GA was applied as Gala GA @ 80ml/ha. Grazing was simulated using a whipper snipper, cutting crop to a height of 10cm on 21 July.
Table 1. Treatment outline
Treatment |
GA timing in relation to grazing event |
Gala GA application |
Grazed 21 July |
| 1 | Nil | – | – |
| 2 | Nil | – | ✓ |
| 3 | Before | 15 June | ✓ |
| 4 | After | 29 July | ✓ |
| 5 | Before | 15 June | – |
| 6 | After | 29 July | – |
Acknowledgments
This research was funded by the GRDC as part of the Grain & Graze 3 project, BCG members through their membership and Improving practices and adoption through strengthening D & E Capability and delivery in the southern region (RRA)- DAV00143 GRDC DEDJTR Bilateral Research Agreement.
