Analysis of Yield and Quality Traits in Sugarcane Varieties (Lines) with GGE-Biplot

Abstract

GGE (genotype main effect plus genotype-environment interaction) biplot analysis, based on principal component analysis (PCA), is an effective method to assess the multi-environment trials (METs). It allows a full exploration of G×E interaction, variety yield stability, and test-site suitability. In the present study, we applied GGE-biplot to evaluate the genotype effects and G×E interaction of sugarcane main traits and at the same time, analyze the stability of yield and quality traits, and representativeness and discrimination of testing site, with seven sugarcane varieties (lines) planted in seven different testing sites. The results showed that YZ05-51 had high yield per stalk and better yield stability than the other varieties (lines), while FN39 and LC03-1137 had high yield per stalk but low stability. FN38, YG35, and ROC22 had high stalk numbers but low stability. FN39 and YZ05-51 had high cane yield and good stability, while FN38 and LC03-1137 had high cane yield but low stability. FN39 and GN02-70 had high sucrose content and good stability, while YZ05-51 and FN38 had high sucrose content but low stability. FN39 had higher sucrose content and better yield stability, while FN38, YZ05-51, and LC03-1137 had high sucrose yield but low stability. Ruili City and Lincang City in Yunnan Province had better representativeness and discrimination in yield per stalk, while Baosan City in Yunnan Province and Laibing City in Guangxi Province had better representativeness and discrimination in stalk numbers; Chongzuo City in Guangxi Province and Lincang City in Yunnan Province had better discrimination in cane yield, while Baise City and Liuzhou City in Guangxi Province had better discrimination in sucrose content; Baise City in Guangxi Province and Lincang City in Yunnan Province had better discrimination in sucrose yield. This study demonstrates a simple and effective method for analyzing data, and evaluating the yield stability and adaptability of sugarcane varieties (lines) involved in national regional trials and favorite test sites.