Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2009
Three composite populations of oats were grown at contrasting sites in the north, east and west of Scotland for four successive generations from F3 to F6. Analyses of variance and canonical analysis both showed that the genetic constitution of the composites was responsible for a greater proportion of the variation than locations (sites). This suggests that either natural selection was not operating to any great extent or the effect of natural selection was very similar at the three sites. These findings were supported when selections were taken from one of the populations and subjected to canonical analysis. The implications for oat breeding in Scotland are discussed.