Comparison and suitability of genotype by environment analysis methods for yield-related traits of pearl millet

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is an important food security and income crop for households living in semi-arid zones in Uganda. However, the genotype by environment interaction, in addition to the several methods used for its assessment, complicates selection of varieties adapted to such semi-arid areas. The objective of this study, therefore, was to compare common methods used to assess stability and adaptability of improved genotypes. Seventy six genotypes were planted in four environments in an alpha experimental design with two replications. Results showed that genotype by environment interactions were significant at p<0.05 for grain yield, days to 50% flowering and 50% physiological maturity, percentage of productive tillers and panicle area. Results further showed inconsistency in ranking of genotypes between methods; although Cultivar Superiority, REML, Yield Stability Index and GGE biplot were consistently correlated and identified high yielding and stable genotypes.

Genotype by Environment Interaction on Grain Yield Stability and Iron and Zinc Content in OPV of Pearl Millet in Ghana Using the AMMI Method

“…is is because the AMMI model combines normal analysis of variance for additive effects with principal component analysis (PCA) for multiplicative structure within the interaction for a better appreciation of the GEI aspect, thereby improving the accuracy of yield estimates and success of selecting genotypes with higher yields [8]. e AMMI model has been effectively deployed in crops such as soybean [16], maize [17], wheat [18], pearl millet [13,19], and cassava [20,21] under different environmental conditions. In the current study, the AMMI model was used to determine the nature and scale of GEI effects on selected traits of pearl millet and to identify high yielding and stable OPVs with enhanced grain micronutrients that could serve as alternative for pearl millet farmers in Ghana.…”