Oats are annual grasses grown primarily for their edible starchy grains.

Oats are widely cultivated in the temperate regions of the world.

Major countries producing oats are Russia, Canada, Poland, Finland, Australia, United States, Spain, United Kingdom, Sweden and Germany.

Global Oats production is 40 million tones and it is cultivated in 27 million hectares

Major Oats growing states of India are Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar and West Bengal.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Liliopsida
• Order: Cyperales
• Family: Poaceae
• Genus: Avena
• Species: sativa

• Grains are economically important part used as food and animal feed.

Oats grow best in cool and moist climate.

The optimum temperature for growth is between 20 and 21°C.

Cool weather is important during grain filling for high yield.

The plants will thrive in well drained soils but are adapted to grow in many soil types.

The soil pH should range from 5.5 and 7.0.

Wide range of soil with good water holding capacity is more suited for oats cultivation.

High N content in soil is not a desirable condition may lead to lodging.

• The major challenges involve: Biotic causes and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic causes involves
  • Major pest: Aphids, Armyworm, Stinkbugs and Wireworms.
  • Major Diseases: Anthracnose, Crown rust, Loose smut, Scab and Powdery Mildew.
• Abiotic Causes
  • Gray streak and Physiological leaf spot