GGE biplot analysis for genotype × environment interactions affecting the seed shattering of Psathyrostachys juncea

Abstract

The Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski. Is an important forage grass in cold and arid regions. However, its high seed shattering (SS) traits affects seed yield. The SS phenomenon arises from the intricate interplay between its genotype and environment (GE). To gain a comprehensive understanding of SS variations in different Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski materials under the influence of GE interactions, a two-year experiment was conducted on 300 individual plants at two locations. Utilizing the GGE biplot method, the current research aimed to assess the adaptability and stability of Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski on SS trait, with a focus on identifying genotype materials conducive to breeding. The analysis of variance indicated that genotype, environment, year, and their interactions exhibited extremely significant effects on SS. Among these factors, the GE interaction showed as the primary contributor to variability in the SS trait of Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski. The GGE biplot illustrated that Hohhot and Baotou emerged as representative locations with strong discriminative power for the materials. Genotypes 18 and 120 exhibited high SS rates in Hohhot, while 118 and 111 showed high SS rates in Baotou. Genotypes 132 and 177 were identified as ideal genotypes with both high and stable SS rates. These findings serve as valuable references for applications in grazing pastures and provide genotype materials for the genetic improvement and mechanistic analysis of SS traits in Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski.

Keywords

• GGE biplot
• Genotype-environment interaction
• Psathyrostachys juncea (fisch.) nevski
• Seed shattering