Impact of bacterial leaf blight disease ( <i>Pantoea agglomerans</i> ) on forage yield and feeding value of oat

ABSTRACT As an important grain crop and source of high quality feed, oat ( Avena sativa L.) has received widespread attention due to its high nutritional value, however, diseases pose a threat to the nutritional components and quality of oats, strengthening research on the prevention and control of oat diseases is of great significance for the healthy development of oat industry. In this study, greenhouse experiments were conducted to explore the effect of bacterial leaf blight disease (LBD) induced by Pantoea agglomerans on forage yield and feeding value of Avena sativa [Baiyan 2 (B2)] and A. nuda [Baiyan 7 (B7)]. The results showed that LBD resulted in a reduction of oat hay yield by 1.38% to 23.48% and relative feed value by 1.01% to 26.24%. In contrast, inoculation with P. agglomerans resulted in a significantly increased in crude fibre, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre and nitrogen‐free extract in B2 and B7 ( p &lt; .05). Moreover, B7 had a higher forage yield and relative feed value than B2 under both inoculation and non‐inoculation of P. agglomerans. This study helps to formulate effective prevention and control strategies to ensure the safety of oat production and improve economic benefits, thereby holding significant practical implications.