GENOTYPE X ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS IN SUGARCANE YIELD TRIALS IN THE CENTRAL-WESTERN REGION OF VENEZUELA

• Published in: Interciencia Vol. 27; no. 11; pp. 620 - 624
• Main Authors: Rea, Ramón, De Sousa Vieira, Orlando
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Caracas Interciencia 01.11.2002; ASOCIACIÓN INTERCIENCIA
• Subjects: ECOLOGY; Phenotypic Stability; G x E Interaction; Adaptability
• ISSN: 0378-1844; 2244-7776

Summary The presence of genotype by environment (G x E) interaction is a major concern to plant breeders, since large interactions can reduce gains from selection and complicate identification of superior cultivars. The objectives of this study were to determine the relative magnitude of G x E interaction effects and to evaluate phenotypic stability in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrid) in terms of regression coefficient, mean square deviation from regression, ecovalence, coefficient of determination, and coefficient of variation. Fourteen genotypes and three sugarcane cultivars were evaluated for 2yr at six locations in Venezuela. The genotype x location interaction for cane yield and apparent sucrose content (pol % cane) indicated that genotypes ranked different or changes in the magnitudes of differences between genotypes from one environment to another. The second order interaction was not significant for both traits. The clones B80-549, B80-408, and B81-503 were significantly superior to the rest of genotype for cane yield. B81-509, V84-25, B81-494, and B80-408 had the best performance for pol % cane. This study suggests that the stability analysis can contribute with supplementary information on the performance of new sugarcane selections prior to release for commercial cultivation and can increase the efficiency of cultivar development programs