Jukka ^BOR

Jukka is one of the latest among early oat varieties. Its growth duration is about four days longer than Niklas, and its growing degree days requirement is 965°C. Suitable for oat production in Finnish cultivation zones I–IV.

Jukka is the top‑yielding variety among early oats, producing 10% higher yields than Niklas (Finnish official variety trials 2015–2022). Strong performance is especially seen:

• on coarse mineral soils
• on soils with high organic matter content in Ostrobothnia
• from Zone 2 up to Kainuu area

Jukka is suitable for food, export and feed oat production. Quality traits:

• grain size among the largest of early oats
• thin, white hull that dehulls easily (Boreal breeder trials)
• food quality comparable to Niklas, the dominant early variety
• protein content at the average level
• fat and β‑glucan content slightly above early‑variety average

Jukka has a relatively short and strong stem. Evidence from trials:

• very strong stem resistance in 2022 when lodging differences were pronounced
• stem strength equivalent or better than Niklas and Luukas
• performs well even in low‑yield trials, indicating good drought tolerance

• DON accumulation risk is around varietal average
• good resistance to oat leaf blotch

For early oats, drought limits both yield and grain size — this should be considered when selecting fields.

Best preceding crops:

• oil crops
• legumes
• winter cereals

Agronomic guidelines:

• oats can be sown into cold soil
• sowing density 400–550 viable seeds/m²
• adequate nitrogen fertilisation is essential
• consider split fertilisation to match seasonal conditions
• ensure sufficient manganese

Boreal Plant Breeding Ltd
Line number: BOR 17053
Added to the National List of Plant Varieties: 2023

Early oats. Source: Official Variety Trials 2017–2024, px.luke.fi (M = control variety)