Genotype by environment interaction, correlation, AMMI, GGE biplot and cluster analysis for grain yield and other agronomic traits in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

PLoS One. 2021 Oct 5;16(10):e0258211. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258211. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Genotype by environment (G×E) interaction is a major factor limiting the success of germplasm selection and identification of superior genotypes for use in plant breeding programs. Similar to the case in other crops, G×E complicates the improvement of sorghum, and hence it should be determined and used in decision-making programs. The present study aimed at assessing the G×E interaction, and the correlation between traits for superior sorghum genotypes. Three hundred twenty sorghum landraces and four improved varieties were used in alpha lattice experimental design-based field trial across three environments (Melkassa, Mieso and Mehoni) in Ethiopia. Phenotypic data were collected for days to flowering (DTF), plant height (PH), panicle length (PALH), panicle width (PAWD), panicle weight (PAWT) and grain yield (GY). The results revealed that the variance due to genotype, environment and G×E interaction were highly significant (P < 0.001) for all traits. GY and PAWT were highly affected by environments and G×E whereas DTF, PALH, PAWD and PH were mainly affected by genotypic variation. Therefore, multi-environment testing is needed for taking care of G × E interaction to identify high yielding and stable sorghum landraces. GY and PAWT revealed highly significant positive correlations indicating the possibility of effective selection of the two traits simultaneously. Among the studied populations, South Wello, West Hararghe and Shewa zones had highly diverse genotypes that were distributed across all clusters. Hence, these areas can be considered as hotspots for identifying divergent sorghum landraces that could be used in breeding programs. Melkassa was the most representative environment whereas Mieso was the most discriminating. Five genotypes (G148, G123, G110, G203 and G73) were identified as superior across the test environments for grain yield with farmer-preferred trait, such as plant height. The identified stable and high yielding genotypes are valuable genetic resources that should be used in sorghum breeding programs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Gene-Environment Interaction*
  • Genotype
  • Geography
  • Phenotype
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Quantitative Trait, Heritable
  • Seeds / genetics*
  • Seeds / growth & development*
  • Sorghum / anatomy & histology
  • Sorghum / genetics*
  • Sorghum / growth & development*
  • Statistics as Topic*

Grants and funding

This research work was financially supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) Research and Training Grant awarded to the Addis Ababa University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (AAU-SLU Biotech; https://sida.aau.edu.et/index.php/biotechnology-phd-program/; accessed on September 24, 2021). The funder had no role in the study design; in the data collection, analysis and interpretation; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit this manuscript for publication.