Luukas ^BOR

Luukas is one of the earliest oat varieties on the market. Growing degree days requirement: ~940°C, similar to Niklas, the control variety in Finnish official trials. Thanks to its earliness, Luukas is suitable for cultivation in all oat‑growing regions.

Luukas is among the top‑yielding early oats, with consistently strong performance across various growing conditions. Particularly high yields in:

• zones III and IV in Finland

Its longer stem improves drought tolerance, helping to maintain strong yields under variable moisture.

Luukas is a white‑hulled, high‑quality oat.

Quality traits:

• grain size nearly equal to Niklas
• low proportion of small kernels
• thin hull
• excellent dehulling performance in Boreal breeder trials
• fat and β‑glucan contents similar to Niklas

Because of its excellent grain quality, Luukas is suitable for:

• milling
• export
• feed

Luukas has a stem equal in length to Niklas but even stronger.

• split growth‑regulator application recommended in dense growth
• always check grain‑buyer restrictions regarding growth regulator use

Luukas has good resistance to oat leaf blotch. Seed treatment and diverse crop rotation help maintain low disease pressure. Boreal internal Fusarium tests show Luukas has average DON accumulation risk.

For early oats, drought limits grain size and yield — field selection should reflect this.

Good preceding crops:

• oil crops
• legumes
• winter cereals

Agronomy:

• oats can be sown in cold soil
• sowing density: 400–550 viable seeds/m²
• ensure adequate nitrogen; split fertilisation recommended
• manganese fertilisation must be ensured

Boreal Plant Breeding Ltd
Line number: BOR 15060
Added to the National List: 2021

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