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New oat variety MN-Amber brings high yields and heart-healthy benefits

Plant breeders have developed a new oat variety.

University of Minnesota Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics professor Kevin Smith says “MN-Amber” is high-yielding with high test weight, grain protein, and beta-glucan content.

“Which is also important for certain food applications where the amount of soluble fiber in the end product is a really important marketing point. An example would be something like Cheerios where you have the big heart-healthy label, in order to get that label you have to have a certain amount of soluble fiber in the end product.”

 He tells Brownfield it took about ten years to bring MN-Amber to market.

“Starting with crossing parents, to developing those populations, to evaluating lines over years in many locations until you’re confident that when you finally do release a variety it has the combination of traits you are looking for in a variety.”

Smith says MN-Amber seed will be distributed through eligible Minnesota Crop Improvement Association members for planting this spring.