Genotype × environment interaction by AMMI and GGE-biplot analysis for sugar yield in three crop cycles of sugarcane (Saccharum officinirum L.) clones in Ethiopia

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the G x E (genotype × environment) interaction using AMMI and GGE-biplot analysis for sugar yield of sugarcane genotypes and identify stable clones in the old sugar estates of Ethiopia. Eleven sugarcane clones plus one control clone were evaluated during three crop cycles (plant cane and first and second ratoon crops) in eight environments. The experiment was laid out as randomized complete block design with three replicates in over 3 years and locations. Adaptability and phenotypic stability of the sugarcane clones were evaluated using Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and Genotype main effect and genotype x environment interaction (GGE). AMMI analyses revealed significant (P < 0.01) genotype and environmental effects as well as G × E with respect to sugar yield. In the analysis of variance, 48.8% of the sugar yield variation was explained by the environment, 16.9% by differences among genotypes, and 16.8% by GE interaction. GGE-biplot models showed that the eight environments used for the study belonged to two mega-environments. According to AMMI and the GGE results, clones G3 (FG05-424), the check variety G5 (NCO334), and G10 (FG06-750) were the most productive in tons of sugar per hectare and stable and recommended for the test environments.