ABSTRACT
Avena sativa L., commonly known as oat (Avena [Spanish], ma-karasu-mugi [Japanese], hafer [German]), is a vital staple food for the people of many countries and is grown worldwide. Oats are also annual grasses and primarily grown for livestock. A. sativa is also taken as medicinal supplements and is known for highly acclaimed health benefits. The combination of seed, leaves, stems, and bran makes the complete Avena sativa plant. These various parts of the plant are used as herbal medicinal supplements that provide a wide range of health benefits. Avenanthramides, an antioxidant obtained from green oat extract, has been shown to improve heart health; relieve stress, depression, and anxiety; and reduce inflammation. Different varieties of oats are developed for planting at different times of the year. Like wheat, oats are also severely affected by diseases. Disease is the primary cause of yield losses. The variation in environmental conditions has a significant influence on the incidence and prevalence of specific oat disease worldwide. All the pathogens, that is, fungi, bacteria, and viruses, attack oat and adversely affect fodder production. Diseases like leaf spot, rust, blight, and dwarf viruses are the most damaging oat diseases. This chapter’s emphasis is on discussing and updating the knowledge about diseases of oats and their management more comprehensively and briefly.
