Genomic prediction of maize yield across European environmental conditions

Nat Genet. 2019 Jun;51(6):952-956. doi: 10.1038/s41588-019-0414-y. Epub 2019 May 20.

Abstract

The development of germplasm adapted to changing climate is required to ensure food security1,2. Genomic prediction is a powerful tool to evaluate many genotypes but performs poorly in contrasting environmental scenarios3-7 (genotype × environment interaction), in spite of promising results for flowering time8. New avenues are opened by the development of sensor networks for environmental characterization in thousands of fields9,10. We present a new strategy for germplasm evaluation under genotype × environment interaction. Yield was dissected in grain weight and number and genotype × environment interaction in these components was modeled as genotypic sensitivity to environmental drivers. Environments were characterized using genotype-specific indices computed from sensor data in each field and the progression of phenology calibrated for each genotype on a phenotyping platform. A whole-genome regression approach for the genotypic sensitivities led to accurate prediction of yield under genotype × environment interaction in a wide range of environmental scenarios, outperforming a benchmark approach.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture*
  • Edible Grain
  • Environment*
  • Europe
  • Gene-Environment Interaction
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genome, Plant*
  • Genomics* / methods
  • Geography
  • Phenotype*
  • Zea mays / genetics*