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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Houma, Louisiana » Sugarcane Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #345032
Title: Analysis of genotype by environment interaction in Louisiana sugarcane research plots by GGE biplots

Author
item Todd, James
item Pan, Yong-Bao
item KIMBENG, COLLINS - LSU Agcenter
item Dufrene, Edwis
item WAGUESPACK, HERMAN - American Sugar Cane League
item PONTIF, MICHAEL - LSU Agcenter

Submitted to: Sugar Tech
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/3/2017
Publication Date: 11/10/2017
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/5935593
Citation: Todd, J.R., Pan, Y.-B, Kimbeng, C., Dufrene Jr, E.O., Waguespack, H., Pontif, M. 2017. Analysis of genotype by environment interaction in Louisiana sugarcane research plots by GGE biplots. Sugar Tech. 20(4):407-419. https://doi:10.1007/s12355-017-056-z.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12355-017-056-z

Interpretive Summary: Sugarcane is grown in many types of environments in Louisiana. Different sugarcane genotypes may respond differently to different environments in a pattern of growth called genotype by environment interaction. The GGE biplot is a tool for breeders to identify genotype by environment interaction. The Louisiana sugarcane breeding program evaluates experimental varieties experimental varieties in different locations throughout the state to identify performance. Results from sugar yield data from experimental test plots indicated that variability is strongly dependent on ratoon, year, and variety with no consistent regional or soil patterns observed. Locations with higher performance and cultivars with higher stability were identified. This research will be useful to breeders in identifying the best locations and most stable check cultivars for research tests to make accurate selections of varieties.

Technical Abstract: Genotype by environment (G x E) interactions complicate genotype selection in breeding programs. In south Louisiana, sugarcane is cultivated under a wide range of environments including soil types and cultural management practices. To evaluate experimental genotypes in different environments, the variety development program places experimental varieties in cooperator’s fields across the sugarcane growing region as part of the selection process. The cooperators apply the same production management practices to the field trials as their commercial fields. The variety development team then selects and harvests the trials to obtain yield data. The yield data of these varieties are affected by genotypic and genotype by environmental (GGE) interactions. In this study, the sugar yield data of eleven check varieties sampled over four years, including 2-4 crops across 21 locations, was analyzed by GGE biplot software in order to visualize GGE effects. The resulting graphical patterns and statistical analysis suggest yield variability is strongly dependent on crop, year, and variety. No consistent regional or soil patterns were observed. However, there were significant differences among locations for yield discrimination. Yield stability significantly varied by genotype in large plot trials, and in the small plot trials some crop years were more representative than others. The results indicate that each crop year has unique growth conditions that affect yield and selection.