Hulless Oat Variety Stark Released by NDSU Experiment Station

Stark, a hulless oat variety has been released by the North Dakota State University Agriculture Experiment Station. Stark is the second hulless oat variety released by the NDSU oat-breeding program led by Mike McMullen.

Stark is a cross between line ND900677 and Paul. Stark yields approximately 10 percent more than Paul, which was released in 1993 and was the first hulless oat variety released by NDSU. Straw strength, plant height, maturity and stem and crown rust resistance are similar to Paul. The oil and grain are not as high as Paul. Stark retains approximately 1 percent of its hulls.

Research indicates that hulless oat is an exceptional source of livestock feed. Last year producers planted 620,000 acres to oat.

Stark will be allocated through the County Crop Improvement Association this spring. The NDSU Research Foundation will apply for Plant Variety Protection with Title V and will assess royalties of 20 cents per bushel on registered and certified seed.

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Source: Al Schneiter, (701) 231-8137, albert.schneiter@ndsu.nodak.edu
Mike McMullen, (701) 231-8165, michael.mcmullen@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu