Evaluation of sugarcane genotypes with respect to sucrose yield across three crop cycles using GGE biplot analysis

Abstract

Summary The experiment was carried out in three crop cycles as plant cane, first ratoon, and second ratoon at five locations on Florida muck soils (histosols) to evaluate the genotypes, test locations, and identify the superior and stable sugarcane genotypes. There were 13 sugarcane genotypes along with three commercial cultivars as checks included in this study. Five locations were considered as environments to analyze genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) in 13 genotypes in three crop cycles. The sugarcane genotypes were planted in a randomized complete block design with six replications at each location. Performance was measured by the traits of sucrose yield tons per hectare (SY) and commercial recoverable sugar (CRS) in kilograms of sugar per ton of cane. The data were subjected to genotype main effects and genotype × environment interaction (GGE) analyses. The results showed significant effects for genotype (G), locations (E), and G × E (genotype × environment interaction) with respect to both traits. The GGE biplot analysis showed that the sugarcane genotype CP 12-1417 was high yielding and stable in terms of sucrose yield. The most discriminating and non-representative locations were Knight Farm (KN) for both SY and CRS. For sucrose yield only, the most discriminating and non-representative locations were Knight Farm (KN), Duda and Sons, Inc. USSC, Area 5 (A5), and Okeelanta (OK).

Phenotypic plasticity and genetic trends in the past 30 years of sugarcane genetic improvement in Louisiana

“…Over the past three decades, sugar yield has increased at 1.05 ton ha −1 year −1 in Louisiana, mainly due to genetic gain yield through the breeding programs (Schmitz et al., 2020). However, it is unclear how much SB and SC have contributed individually to the sugar yield increase over these years of breeding (Jackson, 2005; Momotaz et al., 2021).…”

“…The sugar yield traits, SC and SB, have a complex relationship governed by genotype and environmental conditions (Momotaz et al., 2021). Historically, SB has been the focus of breeding programs (Jackson, 2005; Kennedy et al., 2021).…”

“…This approach has led to the sense that SC has reached its physiological boundary, even though the limitation to achieve higher SC values in field conditions seems to be in the environment (Jackson, 2005). This means that the genotype and environment interaction (GEI) plays an important role in determining the phenotypical outcome in terms of sugar yield and its components and is still a problem for the selection of superior genotypes despite the great effort made by the breeding programs (Momotaz et al., 2021). Therefore, understanding the impact of GEI on sugarcane is essential to direct resources efficiently in the breeding program and release new varieties with high SB and SC.…”