Search Results (110)

In recent years, plantations of Aquilaria sinensis in China have been dominated by Qi-nan, yet there remains limited research on the growth evaluation and breeding of these clones. In this study, a multi-point joint variance analysis, an additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model, a weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB) stability index, and a genotype main effect plus a genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) biplot were used to comprehensively analyze the yield, stability, and suitable environment of 25 3-year-old Qi-Nan clones from five sites in southern China. The results showed that all the growth traits exhibited significant differences in the clones, test sites, and interactions between the clones and test sites. The phenotypic variation coefficient (PCV) and genetic variation coefficient (GCV) of the clones’ growth traits at the different sites ranged from 16.56% to 32.09% and 5.24% to 27.06%, respectively, showing moderate variation. The medium–high repeatability (R) of tree height and ground diameter ranged from 0.50 to 0.96 and 0.69 to 0.98, respectively. Among the clones, Clones G04, G05, G10, G11 and G13 showed good growth performance and could be good candidates for breeding. Environmental effects were found to be the primary source of variation, with temperature and light primarily affecting growth, while rainfall influenced survival and preservation rates. Yangjiang (YJ) was found to be the most suitable experimental site for screening high-yield and stable clones across the different sites, whereas the tree height and ground diameter at the Chengmai (CM) site were significantly higher than at the other sites, and the Pingxiang (PX) and Zhangzhou (ZZ) sites showed poor growth performance. The findings suggest that Qi-nan clones are suitable for planting in southern China. There were also abundant genetic variations in germplasm resources for the Qi-nan clones. The five selected clones could be suitable for extensive planting. Therefore, large-scale testing is necessary for determining genetic improvements in Qi-nan clones, which will be conducive to the precise localization of their promotion areas. Full article

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are an important plant crop, whose yield may vary significantly depending on pedo-climatic conditions and genotype. Therefore, the analysis of the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) is mandatory for the setup of high-yielding and stable potato genotypes. This research evaluated the tuber yield (t ha⁻¹) and yield characteristic of nine potato cultivars over 3 years and 4 organic farms in Poland by additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMIs) and genotype plus genotype environment interaction (GGE) biplot analyses. The results of these analyses indicated significant differentiation of tuber yield among genotypes in individual environments. It was found that the environment (E, where E = L (localization) × Y (year)), genotype (G) and GEI, but not replication, significantly affected tuber yield. The AMMI analysis showed that the environment factor explained the most considerable part of tuber yield variations (52.3%), while the GEI and G factors explained a much lower part of the variations. The AMMI and GGE analyses identified five cvs.: Twister (46.4 t ha⁻¹), Alouette (35.8 t ha⁻¹), Kokra (34.8 t ha⁻¹), Levante (33.1 t ha⁻¹), and Gardena (30.4 t ha⁻¹), as leading cultivars in the studied organic farms due to their high productivity coupled with yield stability. The statistical measure Kang (YS_i) showed that these cvs. can be considered as adaptable to a wide range of organic environments. In the case of morphological traits of tubers (tuber shape and depth of tuber eyes), the most important factor influencing both these traits was genotype (G). Influence of other factors, like localization (L), year (Y), and all interactions (double and triple), were much less significant or insignificant. In case of taste and non-darkening of tuber flesh, the main effects which significantly affected the values of these traits were genotype (G) and localization (L). We observed that cooking type can vary depending on the year (Y) and the localization (L). Full article

Drought and heat stresses represent the primary agricultural challenges in arid and semiarid regions globally. In wheat, among the most vulnerable stages to these stresses is the grain-filling process. This critical phase relies heavily on photosynthesis during the late growth stage and the mobilization of stem reserves. This study evaluated 60 spring wheat lines from the CIMMYT-Mexico Core Germplasm (CIMCOG) panel alongside four Iranian wheat cultivars under normal, drought, heat, and combined drought and heat stress conditions in two growing seasons. Several agronomic traits, including those associated with stem reserve mobilization, were assessed during the study. The combined analysis of variance revealed significant impacts of both independent and combined drought and heat stresses on the measured traits. Moreover, these stresses influenced the inter-relationships among the traits. High-yielding genotypes were identified through a combination of ranking and genotype and genotype by environment (GGE) biplot analysis. Among the top 40 genotypes, 21 were identified as environment-specific, while 19 remained common across at least two environments. Environmental dependence of grain yield responses to the sinks including stem reserve mobilization and spike reserve mobilization was found. Utilizing a machine learning algorithm, a regression tree analysis unveiled specific traits—including grain filling and canopy temperature—that contributed significantly to the high-yielding features of the identified genotypes under the various environmental conditions. These traits can serve as indirect selection criteria for enhancing yield under stressful conditions and can also be targeted for manipulation to improve wheat stress tolerance. Full article

Yield and stability are desirable characteristics that crops need to have high agronomic value; sugarcane stands out globally due to its diverse range of products and by-products. However, genotype-environment (G × E) interactions can affect the overall performance of a crop. The objective of this study is to identify genotypes with the highest yield and stability, as well as to understand their independent and interactive effects. A collection of 10 sugarcane varieties was evaluated, including Colombian, Dominican, Ecuadorian lines, and a group of clones planted across five different locations from 2018 to 2020. A two-way ANOVA along with the GGE biplot technique were used to analyze yield and stability. The ANOVA model shows highly significant effects in all cases (p < 0.001) except for the genotype by year and sector interaction (G × Y × S); however, the decomposition by sectors reveals a significant triple interaction in sector 04 (p < 0.05). The GGE biplot model accounted for up to 74.77% of the total variance explained in its PC1 and PC2 components. It also highlighted the group of clones as having the highest yield and environmental instability, and the Ecuadorian varieties EC-07 and EC-08 as having the best yield-stability relationship. We conclude that the combined results of the ANOVA and GGE biplot models provide a more synergistic and effective evaluation of sugarcane varieties, offering theoretical and practical bases for decision-making in the selection of specific varieties. Full article

Multiple factors can affect the R1-nj purple kernel expression and seed set, reducing its efficiency in identifying haploids in maize. The complex interaction among the haploid inducer (HI), source germplasm (SG), and season (S) is inevitable in in vivo maize haploid induction but could be used through compatibility and stability tests. We tested five HI genotypes on 25 distinct source germplasm in two different seasons of tropical savanna in Thailand. The dry season was more suitable than the rainy season for haploid induction. We noticed varying degrees of R1-nj inhibition among the 25 tropical source germplasm, with some of them exhibiting significant issues with the R1-nj purple kernel expression. Therefore, using the R1-nj alone may not provide accurate ploidy identification in maize. Despite the intense R1-nj expression, haploid inducer BHI306 showed poor stability and compatibility with tropical source germplasm for pollination rate and seed set during the rainy season. The GGE biplot suggested KHI42 and KHI64 as the most compatible haploid inducers under their respective two different mega-source germplasm for the pollination rate and R1-nj seed set. These findings can guide breeders in selecting the most compatible and stable haploid inducers under varying conditions. Full article

Maize yields perform differently in different environments, so the selection of suitable genotypes in diverse environments is essential for variety selection to enable better site-specific planting. Hence, the objective of the study was to estimate the productivity of 11 maize hybrids (G) in 10 different environments (E) and select high-yield and stable varieties for adaptive cultivation in 2022 and 2023. The combined analysis of variance showed that G (4%), E (50%), and their interaction (31%) had a significant effect (p < 0.01) on maize yield, with E factors contributing the most. In addition, the average yield ranged from 9398 kg/ha to 10,574 kg/ha, and ZF-2208 and DY-519 performed relatively well in both years. The AMMI model showed that the varieties DY-213, DY-605, and DY-519 had high and stable production in 2022, whereas it was ZF-2209 and LX-24 in 2023. The “W-W-W” biplot showed that DY-519 and JG-18 were the optimal varieties in 2022, and ZF-2208 and ZF-2210 were optimal in 2023. The “mean vs. stability” biplot indicated that JG-18, DY-605, and DY-213 (in 2022) and ZF-2208, LX-24, and ZF-2209 (in 2023) were the optimal varieties. Additionally, both the discrimination and representative biplot and the ranking biplot reflected that BinChuan and ShiDian (in 2022) and GengMa and YongSheng (in 2023) were the ideal test environments. In conclusion, DY-519, DY-605, ZF-2208, and LX-24 hybrids could be used for variety promotion. Moreover, BinChuan, ShiDian, GengMa, and YongSheng were the ideal test environments for selecting varieties. Therefore, the AMMI model and GGE biplot can be used to complement each other for a comprehensive evaluation of maize yield. In this way, excellent maize hybrids with high yield and stability can be selected, which could promote the selection and popularization of varieties and shorten the breeding process. Full article

Carrots (Daucus carota L.), a globally significant vegetable, lack extensive research on heterotic groups and diallel analysis to generate hybrid combinations. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess combining abilities and identify optimal carrot parents for producing hybrids suitable for tropical climates with elevated metabolite levels. Twenty carrot hybrids, ten parent plants, and three commercial cultivars were evaluated during the summers of 2020/2021 and 2021/2022. Agronomic evaluations were carried out and chlorophyll and carotenoid levels were determined, followed by a diallel analysis using Griffing’s Method III and GGE biplot analysis. There were significant general combining ability (GCA) effects for various agronomic traits, suggesting additive genetic effects. Based on GCA, cultivars 5, 4, and 2 were the most promising parents. Specific combining ability (SCA) revealed that hybrids 1 × 2 and 3 × 5 stood out in environment 1, whereas hybrids 1 × 5 and 5 × 3 performed well in environment 2. The GGE biplot analysis showed that hybrids 1 × 2 and 3 × 2 displayed larger average root diameters, belonged to the group with the best bolting percentages, and exhibited stability across environments. Moreover, hybrids 2 × 4, 3 × 1, 4 × 1, and 4 × 2 exhibited higher metabolite levels. These findings suggest the feasibility of obtaining superior hybrids tailored for the tropical carrot market. Full article

Pearl millet stands as an important staple food and feed for arid and semi-arid regions of India and South Africa. It is also a quick supplier of important micronutrients like Fe and Zn via grain to combat micronutrient deficiencies among people in developing countries. India has notably spearheaded advancements in pearl millet production and productivity through the All India Coordinated Pearl Millet Improvement Project. There were 21 hybrids evaluated over arid and semi-arid ecologies of the western and southern regions of India. AMMI and GGE biplot models were adopted to recommend a specific hybrid for the particular locality. A joint analysis of variation indicated a significant genotype–environment interaction for most of the agronomical and grain micronutrient parameters. Pearson’s correlation values dissected the significant and positive correlation among agronomic traits and the negative correlation with grain micronutrient traits. GGE biplot analysis recommended the SHT 106 as a dual-purpose hybrid and SHT 115 as a biofortified hybrid for the grain’s Fe and Zn content. SHT 110 and SHT 108 were selected as stable and high grain yield-producing hybrids across all environments and specifically for E1, E2, and E4 as per the Which-Won-Where and What biplot. SHT 109 and SHT 103 hybrids were stable and high dry fodder yield-producing hybrids across all environments. In this study, the Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI) was employed to select the most stable and high-performing hybrids for all traits. It selected SHT 120, SHT 106, and SHT 104 for stability and great performance across all environments. These findings underscored the significance of tailored hybrid recommendations and the potential of pearl millet in addressing both food security and malnutrition challenges in various agro-ecological regions. Full article

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is used to support livestock. A stability study was carried out over three years. The stability indices for yield and main quality characteristics such as plant height, number of nodes, the yield of green mass and dry matter, crude protein and fiber (%), and ash (%), were examined. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences that indicated the presence of high genotype–year interactions. Heritability was higher in the case of qualitative traits than quantitative traits. The most intriguing correlation was between green mass yield and crude protein content because positive correlations may lead to indirect and simultaneous selection. According to the statistical biplot models AMMI and GGE, the best genotypes for almost all traits to use, regardless of the environment and cultivation type, were the G8 (Population 2) followed by cultivar G3 (Yliki). Despite the high index values shown by the parameter number of nodes, the latter and yield showed low heritability. Full article

Pyrenophora teres f. teres (Ptt), the causal agent of net form net blotch (NFNB) disease, is an important and widespread pathogen of barley. This study aimed to quantify and characterize the virulence of Ptt isolates collected from experimental fields of barley in Hungary. Infection responses across 20 barley differentials were obtained from seedling assays of 34 Ptt isolates collected from three Hungarian breeding stations between 2008 and 2018. Twenty-eight Ptt pathotypes were identified. Correspondence analysis followed by hierarchical clustering on the principal components and host-by-pathogen GGE biplots suggested a continuous range of virulence and an absence of specific isolate × barley differential interactions. The isolates were classified into four isolate groups (IG) using agglomerative hierarchical clustering. One IG could be distinguished from other IGs based on avirulence/virulence on one to five barley differentials. Several barley differentials expressed strong resistance against multiple Ptt isolates and may be useful in the development of NFNB-resistant barley cultivars in Hungary. Our results emphasize that the previously developed international barley differential set needs to be improved and adapted to the Hungarian Ptt population. This is the first report on the pathogenic variations of Ptt in Hungary. Full article

In this study, the influence of genotype (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E) on the content of total free phenolic compounds (TPC) and the antioxidant capacity (AC) was investigated, using sixteen durum wheat genotypes cultivated under seven crop management systems in Mediterranean environments. Possible correlations between TPC and AC with protein content (PC) and vitreous kernel percentage (VKP) were examined. Gs that exhibited stability across diverse conditions were studied through a comprehensive exploration of G × E interaction using a GGE biplot, Pi, and 𝘒R. The results indicated significant impacts of E, G, and G × E on both TPC and AC. Across E, the mean values of G for TPC, ABTS (2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) values were 48.8 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/100 g, 121.3 mg TE/100 g, 23.0 mg TE/100 g, and 88.4 mg TE/100 g, respectively. E, subjected to splitting top-dressing N fertilization, consistently showed low values, while the late-sowing ones possessed high values. Organic crop management maintained a stable position in the middle across all measurements. The predominant influence was attributed to G × E, as indicated by the order G × E > E > G for ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP, while for TPC, it was E > G × E > G. For TPC, the superior Gs included G5, G7 and G10, for ABTS included G3, G5 and G7, and for protein included G1, G9, and G16. G7 and G5 had a high presence of frequency, with G7 being the closest genotype to the ideal for both TPC and ABTS. These results suggest that the sowing time, nitrogen fertilization, and application method significantly impact the various antioxidant properties of durum wheat. This study holds significant importance as it represents one of the few comprehensive explorations of the impact of various Es, Gs, and their interactions on the TPC and AC in durum wheat, with a special emphasis on crop management and superior Gs possessing stable and high TPC and AC among them, explored by GGE biplot, Pi and 𝘒R. Further experimentation, considering the effect of the cultivation year, is necessary, to establish more robust and stable conclusions. Full article

The yield of cowpea varieties is affected by environmental variability. Hence, candidate varieties must be tested for yield stability before release. This study assessed the impacts of genotypes, environments, and their interaction on the performance of elite cowpea lines for key adaptive, grain yield, and associated traits across different locations. A total of 42 elite genotypes were evaluated in five Nigerian environments, representing various savanna ecologies, during the 2021 growing season. The experimental design employed was an alpha lattice arrangement, with each genotype replicated three times. The results revealed significant differences among genotypes, environments, and genotype-by-environment interaction (G × E) for most traits, including days to maturity, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. The genotype and genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) biplot showed G21 (IT14K-2111-2) and G25 (IT15K-2386-1) as the most stable genotypes across the five environments, G41 (IT11K-61-82) was best adapted to Ibadan and Shika, G5 (245-1) was best adapted to Bagauda and Gumel, and G30 (IT16K-2365-1) was best adapted to Bauchi. G21 (IT14K-2111-2) and G25 (IT15K-2386-1) could be recommended across the five test environments, whereas G41 (IT11K-61-82), G30 (IT16K-2365-1), and G5 (245-1) were specific to the adapted environments. Full article

Aside from plant breeding and agricultural inputs, understanding and interpreting the Genotype × Environment (G × E) interaction has contributed significantly to the increase in wheat yield. In Central Macedonia, Greece, fifteen commercially important durum wheat cultivars and one landrace were tested in six cultivation environments classified into high- and low- productivity environments. This study aimed to identify the most productive and stable durum wheat genotypes across Mediterranean farming systems through a comparative examination of genotype plus genotype by environment (GGE) biplot alongside fifteen parametric and non-parametric stability models. In the organic (low productivity) environment, cultivar Zoi and the landrace Lemnos showed remarkable results, indicating a potential solution for biological agriculture. For the late-sowing (low productivity) environment, some widespread varieties such as Mexicali-81, Meridiano, and Maestrale had excellent performance, showing potential to overcome more adverse conditions during critical grain filling periods such as higher air temperature and deficient soil moisture, i.e., conditions that correlate with climate change. Evaluation of genotypes in all environments for a combination of high yield and stable production, showed that the best genotypes were G8 (Simeto), G2 (Canavaro), and G12 (Elpida). In the subgroup with the three high-productivity environments, G12 (Elpida), G8 (Simeto), and G6 (Mexicali-81) were the best genotypes, followed by G2 (Canavaro), while in the low-productivity subgroup, the G2 (Canavaro), G13 (Zoi) and G8 (Simeto) genotypes were the best. Full article

Rice production faces challenges related to diverse climate change processes. Heat stress combined with low humidity, water scarcity, and salinity are the foremost threats in its cultivation. The present investigation aimed at identifying the most resilient rice genotypes with yield stability to cope with the current waves of climate change. A total of 34 rice genotypes were exposed to multilocation trials. These locations had different environmental conditions, mainly normal, heat stress with low humidity, and salinity-affected soils. The genotypes were assessed for their yield stability under these conditions. The newly developed metan package of R-studio was employed to perform additive main effects and multiplicative interactions modelling and genotype-by-environment modelling. The results indicated that there were highly significant differences among the tested genotypes and environments. The main effects of the environments accounted for the largest portion of the total yield sum of squared deviations, while different sets of genotypes showed good performance in different environments. AMMI1 and GGE biplots confirmed that Giza179 was the highest-yielding genotype, whereas Giza178 was considered the most-adopted and highest-yielding genotype across environments. These findings were further confirmed by the which–won–where analysis, which explained that Giza178 has the greatest adaptability to the different climatic conditions under study. While Giza179 was the best under normal environments, N22 recorded the uppermost values under heat stress coupled with low humidity, and GZ1968-S-5-4 manifested superior performance regarding salinity-affected soils. Giza 177 was implicated regarding harsh environments. The mean vs. stability-based rankings indicated that the highest-ranked genotypes were Giza179 > Giza178 > IET1444 > IR65600-77 > GZ1968-S-5-4 > N22 > IR11L236 > IR12G3213. Among them, Giza178, IR65600-77, and IR12G3213 were the most stable genotypes. Furthermore, these results were confirmed by cluster-analysis-based stability indices. A significant and positive correlation was detected between the overall yield under all the environments with panicle length, number of panicles per plant, and thousand grain weight. Our study sheds light on the notion that the Indica/Japonica and Indica types have greater stability potential over the Japonica ones, as well as the potential utilization of genotypes with wide adaptability, stability, and high yield, such as Giza178, in the breeding programs for climate change resilience in rice. Full article