Genetic variability, adaptability and, stability of safflower genotypes developed for the Brazilian conditions by REML/BLUP

Abstract

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) has stood out as an oilseed crop with potential for cultivation in Brazil and can be inserted in the already consolidated production systems. However, obtaining adapted genotypes is essential for crop development, and the study of genetic variability and agronomic performance in different regions contributes to the recommendation of new cultivars. However, the genotype × environment interaction can influence the selection and recommendation of a given genotype for a region of cultivation and hinder the breeder's work. The use of mixed models allows the evaluation of genotype performance without the influence of the genotype × environment interaction, which makes recommending a genotype for a region more accurate. Four experiments were carried out in different regions of Brazil (Bauru‐SP, Botucatu‐SP and, Campo Novo do Parecis‐MT) to evaluate 10 safflower genotypes in the final stage of breeding. The genetic variability of genotypes was analyzed through similarity analysis, as well as the stability and adaptability of genotypes through mixed models. Wide variability was found between the evaluated genotypes. The use of mixed models allowed the identification of safflower genotypes with high stability and adaptability of the grain and oil yield for cultivation in Brazil.

Adaptability and Stability of Safflower Genotypes for Oil Production

“…The significance of the G × E interaction can affect the selection of safflower genotypes, making it difficult to recommend new cultivars. Several researchers also found significant interactions when studying safflower genotypes in other environments around the world: Iran [ 8 , 20 , 21 , 22 ], Turkey [ 23 ], and Brazil [ 5 ].…”

“…Brazil does not have a significant safflower production; however, the species has shown great suitability for the country [ 4 , 5 ] mainly due to its drought tolerance traits [ 6 ], which allow its cultivation in regions that experience dry spells, such as in the Brazilian Cerrado, or that do not have an ideal rainfall for other crops, as in the northeast.…”

“…The greater acceptability and use of safflower as an oilseed depend on breeding for the traits of interest and developing cultivars adapted to different growing regions [ 5 , 7 ]. Several studies have been carried out in Iran [ 8 , 10 ] and Brazil [ 5 ] to obtain safflower genotypes adapted to the contrasting environments.…”

“…The greater acceptability and use of safflower as an oilseed depend on breeding for the traits of interest and developing cultivars adapted to different growing regions [ 5 , 7 ]. Several studies have been carried out in Iran [ 8 , 10 ] and Brazil [ 5 ] to obtain safflower genotypes adapted to the contrasting environments. Aside from the commercial release of new cultivars, it is necessary to study the performance of several genotypes in different growing regions to understand the genotype × environment interaction.…”

Adaptability and stability via mixed models in elephantgrass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone) varieties for energy purposes

“…Simultaneous selection for productivity, stability, and adaptability using mixed models (REML/BLUP) has been successfully employed in various crops, including sugarcane (Bastos et al 2007), common bean (Carbonell et al 2007), rice (Borges et al 2010), carrot (Silva et al 2011), cowpea (Santos et al 2016), grugru palm (Rosado et al 2019), maize (Krause et al 2020), and safflower (Oliveira Neto et al 2021). However, there is limited research utilizing the REML/BLUP method in elephant grass breeding, representing an innovative approach to successfully select potential genotypes for bioenergy production.…”