Nestor ^BOR

Nestor belongs to late oat varieties but matures a couple of days earlier than the control variety Donna. Growing degree days requirement: 1013°C. Suitable for Finnish cultivation zones I–III.

In official trials (2020–2021), Nestor was the highest‑yielding or among the highest‑yielding varieties across:

• all soil types
• all Finnish cultivation zones
• all yield levels

Nestor shows exceptional tolerance to challenging conditions — particularly drought. In low‑yield trials during dry seasons, it performs clearly above average. Performs best on clay and mineral soils suited for food‑oat production.

Nestor has a white hull and excellent food quality:

• suitably large grain size
• low proportion of small kernels
• hectoliter weight among the highest of all tested varieties
• thin hull and excellent dehulling ability
• average fat content
• high beta‑glucan content

Suitable for food, export and feed oat production.

Nestor has a relatively long stem, improving drought tolerance. Stem strength is at the varietal average, but:

• split growth regulator applications recommended in dense growth
• one treatment usually enough in southern Finland
• multiple treatments beneficial in Ostrobothnia area

In breeder trials, Nestor shortened more with growth regulator treatment than average. Growers should check buyer restrictions before treatment.

Nestor has excellent resistance to oat leaf blotch.

• DON risk is average
• resistance to rust diseases is the best among BOR oats

• good preceding crops: oil crops, legumes, winter cereals
• oats can be sown into cold soil
• sowing density 400–550 viable seeds/m²
• nitrogen split fertilisation recommended
• ensure manganese applications

Due to strong tillering and good coverage, Nestor is also suitable for organic farming.

Boreal Plant Breeding Ltd
Line number: BOR 16118
Added to the National List: 2022

Late oat varieties. Source: Official Variety Trials 2017–2024 (M = control variety)