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This research investigates the stability and adaptability of various genotypes of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. through Genotype × Environment (G × E) interactions. The study involves a comprehensive assessment of 29 Neem genotypes from different regions, evaluating their growth performance and stability across diverse environments. The seeds were collected from 29 selected plus trees in the month of June-July 2018 and progenies were raised in the nursery for one year. Multi-locational field trials were established in August 2019 at three locations following a randomized block design. The data were recorded on seed length, seed width, 100-seed weight, seed kernel ratio, oil content, azadirachtin content, plant height, collar diameter, diameter at breast height, and number of branches. Stability analysis was performed using the Eberhart and Russell model and multi-trait stability index (MTSI), assessing genotypes' response to environmental variations. Results indicate significant genotype-environment interactions, with some genotypes demonstrating stability and productivity across multiple traits and locations. Genotypes 3B, TN11, TN18 and TN20 showed promising stability and consistent performance across different site. The findings contribute to a better understanding of neem's potential for resilience and productivity, which may support sustainable utilization efforts. The identified stable genotypes have the potential to enhance Neem productivity and benefit growers, aligning with the broader goal of harnessing the economic and ecological potential of the tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Salt stress is one of the major, ever-increasing abiotic stresses that hinders rice production across arable land around the world. In order to sustain the production of rice (Oryza sativa) in these salt-affected areas, high-yielding stable salt tolerant genotypes must be identified. Aims: The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model was carried out to identify high-yielding stable rice genotypes under both saline and alkali stress. Methods: Nineteen promising rice genotypes including five standard checks were evaluated using randomized block design under nine salt stress environments using three replications in 2017 and 2018. Key results: The AMMI model II is thought to be the best model for genotype identification based on prediction accuracy with high GEIS and low GEIN (genotype and environment interaction noise). According to AMMI model II, six genotypes were identified as the top performers under salt stress: one genotype (CSR RIL-01-IR 165) yielded the best in three environments; another genotype (CSR 2711-17) yielded highly in in two environments; and the remaining three genotypes (RP5989-2-4-8-15-139-62-6-9, RP 6188-GSR IR1-8-S6-S3-S1, RP6189-HHZ17-Y16-Y3-SAL1) as well as one control genotype (CHK2) yielded well in single environments. Conclusions: Based on AMMI stability study, genotypes RP5989-2-4-8-15-139-62-6-9, CSR2711-17, CSR RIL-01-IR 165, CSR-2748-4441-195, CSR-2748-4441-193), and CSRRIL-01-IR 75 were determined to be higher yielding and more stable than the national control genotype (CSR23). Implications: The high-yielding stable genotypes identified in this study could be planted for salt-affected areas to sustain the production of rice. Salt tolerant varieties with stable performance can be used to address productivity in salt-affected land. Five rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes (RP 5989-2-4-8-15-139-62-6-9, CSR RIL-01-IR 75, CSR-2748-4441-193, CSR-2748-4441-195, and CSR 2711-17) were highly stable across salt-affected environments with yielded 5% more than the national control genotype (CSR23). These high yielding genotypes identified could be used as potential parental lines for breeding varieties for salt-affected conditions to enhance the productivity of salt-affected soils. This article belongs to the collection: Abiotic Stress Tolerance vs Climate Change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oat being a rabi/winter crop in Kashmir, experiences extremely low temperatures which has detrimental effects on its growth and development. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate a set of 130 oat genotypes in multi-location trials across temperate conditions of Kashmir valley from 2018 to 2022. From the preliminary data of 56 genotypes, including five checks, were selected and evaluated for nutritional and yield attributing traits under cold stress conditions at two locations. The results demonstrated significant genetic variation and high heritability for majority of traits, except for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and dry fodder. Positive correlations were observed between green fodder yield and other traits, indicating their potential for enhancing yield. Principal component analysis identified four principal components that accounted for 69.87% of the total variation. Cluster analysis categorized the genotypes into two main clusters and six sub-clusters. Frost damage assessment was conducted at tillering stage after the snow melted in late January 2021 and 2022 using cold tolerance rating scale and subsequently tested for chilling injury through an electrolyte leakage test. From field and lab data analysis, five most promising cold tolerant, nutritious and high-yielding genotypes were identified. These genotypes have significant potential for utilization in future breeding programmes to improve cold tolerance in cultivated oats within the Kashmir valley thus promoting agricultural productivity and sustainability. The outcomes also provide valuable insights into the genetic variation, heritability, genotype-by-environment interactions, correlations and cold tolerance of oat genotypes in Kashmir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a predominant tree crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The crop is plagued by the regular incidence of polyphagous insect pest tea mosquito bug (TMB) (Helopeltis spp.). TMB causes 30–50% nut yield loss in regular incidences and up to 100% in epidemic situations. The incidence of TMB is prevalent in most of the cashew growing regions but research on the interaction between TMB and year has not been undertaken. To this end 15 cashew germplasms were evaluated for TMB incidence from 2016 to 2022 to study the stability of TMB incidence in cashew. TMB damage scores was analyzed following additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype and genotype by environment (GGE) methods. Years (Y) differed significantly (P ≤ 0.01) whereas genotypes (G) (P = 0.18) and G × Y interactions were not significant (P = 0.96). The variations explained by G, Y and G × Y were 7.15%, 37.05% and 17.18% respectively. The total variability captured by the first two incremental principal component analysis (IPCA) viz., IPCA 1 (49.83%) and IPCA 2 (29.49%) was 79.32%. Accessions NRC 112, 144, 75 and 176 won in the first mega environment and NRC 120, 140, 189 won in second, third and fourth mega environments respectively. Three accessions NRC 301 (0.511), V-8 (0.567) and NRC 270 (0.734) with least TMB incidences were found stable and could serve as useful candidate genotypes in cashew breeding programme for TMB tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inula racemosa is an important medicinal herb lacking in superior and stable varieties for cultivation in the varied climates of the Western Himalayas. In the present experiment, genotypic effects and environment interaction among ten newly developed selections were explored to identify superior and stable genotypes under different environments of Himachal Pradesh. The multi location trials were laid out during the years 2021 and 2022 in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The pooled analysis of variance has shown significant (p>0.05) variations for genotype, environment and G × E interactions for all the traits under study. The maximum mean performance for most of the traits suggests that Env-1 followed by Env-2 has the most suitable environments for its cultivation. The genotype CSIR-IHBT-IR-09 has been identified as best performer for root biomass (553.39 g) and essential oil content (3393.21 mg/Kg) over the environments. The results of Eberhard and Russell's regression-based model confirm that genotype CSIRIHBT-IR-09 is stable and superior genotype. Further, the gas-chromatography mass spectrophotometry analysis of essential oil revealed that the genotype CSIR-IHBT-IR-09 was unique in terms of having the maximum percentage of marker compounds i.e., sesquiterpene lactones eudesmanolides namely alantolactone (51.10 -54.60%) and isoalantolactone (21.50 -25.80%) across all the test environments. The GGE biplot analysis confirmed that all the test environments form a single mega-environment. The study laid a strong base for the screening of stable genotypes and develop a selection strategy for future genetic improvement programs in Inula racemosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participatory plant breeding (PPB) is aimed at developing varieties adapted to agroecologically-based systems. In PPB, selection is decentralized in the target environments, and relies on collaboration between farmers, farmers' organisations and researchers. By doing so, evaluation of new genotypes takes genotype x environment (GxE) interactions into account to select for specific adaptation. In many cases, there is little overlap among genotypes assessed from farm to farm because the farmers participating in a PPB project choose which ones to assess on their farm. In addition, on-farm trials can often generate more extreme observations than trials carried out on research stations. These features make the estimation of genotype, environment and interaction effects more difficult. This challenge is not unique to PPB, as many breeding programs use sparse testing or incomplete block designs to evaluate more genotypes, however in PPB genotypes are not always assigned randomly to environments. To explore methods of overcoming these challenges, this article tests various data analysis scenarios using a Bayesian approach with different models and a real wheat PPB dataset over 11 years. Four morpho-agronomic traits were studied, representing over 1000 GxE combinations from 189 on-farm trials. This dataset was severely unbalanced with more than 90% of GxE combinations missing. We compared various Bayesian Finlay-Wilkinson models and found that placing hierarchical distributions on model parameters and modelling residuals using a Student's t distribution jointly improved the estimates of main effects and interactions. Environment effects were the most important and explained more than 50% of the variance of observations. This statistical framework allowed us to estimate two indicators of genotype stability (one static and one dynamic) despite the high disequilibrium of the data. We found differences in mean and stability between genotype categories, with registred varieties consistently shorter (-30 cm) and containing less protein (-0.3%) than other types of varieties. The methods developed could be used for evaluation and/or selection within networks of various stakeholders such as farmers, gardeners, plant breeders or managers of genetic resource centres.

Among the oilseed crops, mustard has gained precedence in the human diet due to its superior oil quality. Genotype × environment interactions have a significant effect on plant breeding because it reduces the stability of the genotypes in diverse environments. In order to assess the impact of environments on genotypes and determine the stable genotypes in terms of seed yield and yield attributing characters in the terai agro-climatic zone, seventy-one Indian mustard genotypes were evaluated during two consecutive years,namely, 2017-18 and 2018-19, focusing on nine quantitative characters across six environments. Eberhart and Russell model (1966) of stability analysis revealed that various genotypes exhibited adaptability to favourable and unfavourable environments for different characters, influenced by the different sowing dates over the two years. However, Rohini (SC) and KMR-15-14 to be well adapted in terai agro-climatic zone in respect to seed yield and plant height, while Pusa mustard 27 (EJ 17) were adapted to specifically favorable (rich) environment for the seed yield. In terms of secondary branches per plant and number of siliquae on branches, Pusa mustard 27 (EJ 17) showed adaptability across all types of environments. Therefore, Rohini (SC) and KMR-15-14 were identified as stable genotypes for optimum seed yield across different environmental conditions.

Maize is an important staple crop in Ethiopia, but there is a limited number of pro-vitamin A (PVA) and quality protein maize (QPM) varieties under commercial production compared with normal maize varieties in the country. Therefore, developing nutritionally enriched maize varieties is helpful to mitigate malnutrition problems among communities whose diets are more dominated with maize. This study was carried out to determine genotype by environment (G × E) interaction and grain yield stability of introduced and locally developed PVA and QPM hybrids and identify promising hybrids for further evaluation to promote release. Forty-four hybrids, including 20 PVA and 18 QPM hybrids with six checks (One PVA, two QPM, three normal maize) were evaluated using a row-column design (22-rows and six columns) with three replications at six locations in Ethiopia in 2022. The effects of genotype, environment and G × E interaction were highly significant for grain yield. Based on additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), genotype plus genotype by environment (GGE) biplot analysis and yield stability index (YSI), the most stable PVA and QPM hybrids were identified, but none of them had high or comparable grain yield potential compared with normal checks. Among top ten hybrids, entry 15 (3XM2100055) was the highest yielding QPM hybrid which had comparable yield performance with the best normal maize checks (BH549 and BH546) and out yielded to QPM (BQPY545 and BHQP548) and PVA (BHA5211) checks, and this hybrid was well adapted to ArsiNegele, Bako and Jima environments. The GGE analysis delineated the six testing environments into three mega environments. Ambo and ArsiNegele were the most discriminating and representative environments therefore, these environments are the most suitable to select genetically well adapted PVA and QPM hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of maize varieties under multiple environments, including drought and low nitrogen (N) stressed sites is an important breeding approach, to identify well adapted and stable maize varieties. This study was undertaken to identify new quality protein maize (QPM) hybrids that have good agronomic performance and assess the presence of genotype by environment (G × E) interaction and grain yield stability of QPM hybrids under different environment conditions. Forty-five hybrids, including two QPM, two non-QPM and one local check were evaluated across 34 environments under stress and non-stress conditions in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi during 2018 to 2020. Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and Genotype main effects plus G × E interaction (GGE) bi-plots were used for stability analysis. Environment, genotype and G × E interaction effects were significant for grain yield and other traits in all management conditions. The top yielding hybrids were 44 (QS7646) 12 (CZH15099Q) under optimum; 14 (CZH15142Q), 44 (QS7646) and 23 (CZH17192Q) under random stress; 9 (CZH142237Q) and 10 (CZH142238Q) under managed drought; and 14 (CZH15142Q) and 34 (CZH17203Q) under low N conditions. Among these, 10 (CZH142238Q) and 14 (CZH15142Q) were the most stable hybrids and can be recommended for release in sub-Saharan Africa to improve food and nutritional security of smallholder farmers who depend on maize. Kwekwe (KWE), Bindura (BIN), Chokwe (CHO) and Bako (BK2) were identified as the most discriminating and representative for optimum, random stress, managed drought and low N environments, respectively and help to identify superior hybrids.

Abstract The selection of drought-tolerant genotypes from the existing gene pool is a preliminary step for breeding for drought tolerance. Research efforts aimed at exploring the ability of crops to withstand drought stress have not yet touched the realm of reproductive drought performance of local genotypes. To examine how local crop accessions demonstrate varying reproductive performance under drought conditions, twenty accessions of maize (Zea mays L.) were evaluated for six quantitative traits in a two-factor factorial completely randomized design with two replications between February to June of 2023. All the traits under study showed significant differences among the genotypes (p

The present investigation was carried out at Regional Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the years 2019-20 to 2020-21 to study the phenotypic stability for grain yield in pearl millet genotypes. The experimental materials consisted of 91 genotypes; comprising 70 hybrids developed using line × tester design, five CMS lines and 14 testers, and two standard check hybrids GHB 538 and GHB 732. The mean square due to genotypes × environment interactions were significant for grain yield per plant, which revealed that genotypes interacted considerably with environment. Higher magnitude of G × E (linear) variance compared to G × E (non-linear) variance for grain yield per plant indicated that major portion of interaction was predictable in nature. The hybrids ICMA1-04999 × J-2587, ICMA1-98222 × J- 2604, ICMA1-98222 × 110-SB-15, ICMA1-98222 × 69-SB-18, ICMA1-98444 × J-2290, JMSA1-20158 × J-2479, JMSA1-20158 × J-2539, JMSA1-20158 × ICMR-15758, JMSA1-20159 × J-2479, JMSA1-20159 × J-2590 and JMSA1-20159 × 69-SB-18 were identified as stable and widely adapted for grain yield per plant.

The success of establishing the Indonesian growing fast hybrid carp, namely “Permata”, on a controlled environmental test must be followed up with a large-scale test. This study aims to evaluate the phenotypic performance of the Permata hybrid carp in multi-locations with different cultivation systems. The test sites consisted of floating net cages, running-water ponds, semi-concrete ponds, earthen ponds, fully concrete ponds, and static net cages. For 90 days, fish were fed commercial pellets with a 28%–30% protein content. At the end of the test, all fish were harvested and counted. Data on length, weight, survival rate, and harvested biomass were used to analyze the effect of genotype, environment, and their interaction on the phenotypic performance. The growth based on final weight is used to analyze the stability performance in each test location. The results showed that the length and weight of common carp were significantly affected by genotype and the environment, but not by the interaction of both. The genotype, environment, and the interaction of both factors affected common carp’s survival and harvested biomass. Common carp reared in floating net cages generally had the best performance, while carp reared in fully concrete tanks and static net cages had the lowest. The growth stability analysis showed that the common carp in this study were unstable genotypes but have a broad adaptability in term of different environments.

Abstract Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important member of the family Poaceae and more than half of world population depend for their dietary nutrition on rice. Rice cultivars with higher yield, resilience to stress and wider adaptability are essential to ensure production stability and food security. The fundamental objective of this study was to identify higher-yielding rice genotypes with stable performance and wider adaptability in a rice growing areas of Pakistan. A triplicate RCBD design experiment with 20 Green Super Rice (GSR) advanced lines was conducted at 12 rice growing ecologies in four Provinces of Pakistan. Grain yield stability performance was assessed by using different univariate and multivariate statistics. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes, locations, and G x E interaction for mean squares (p

Maize stalk rot reduces grain yield and quality. Information about the genetics of resistance to maize stalk rot could help breeders design effective breeding strategies for the trait. Genomic prediction may be a more effective breeding strategy for stalk-rot resistance than marker-assisted selection. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and genomic prediction of resistance in testcross hybrids of 677 inbred lines from the Tuxpeño and non-Tuxpeño heterotic pools grown in three environments and genotyped with 200,681 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Eighteen SNPs associated with stalk rot shared genomic regions with gene families previously associated with plant biotic and abiotic responses. More favorable SNP haplotypes traced to tropical than to temperate progenitors of the inbred lines. Incorporating genotype-by-environment (G × E) interaction increased genomic prediction accuracy.

The selection of drought-tolerant genotypes from the existing gene pool is a preliminary step for breeding for drought tolerance. Research efforts aimed at exploring the ability of crops to withstand drought stress have not yet touched the realm of reproductive drought performance of local genotypes. To examine how local crop accessions demonstrate varying reproductive performance under drought conditions, twenty accessions of maize (Zea mays L.) were evaluated for six quantitative traits in a two-factor factorial completely randomized design with two replications between February to June of 2023. All the traits under study showed significant differences among the genotypes (p < 0.05). Owing to their grain yield, ear weight, and hundred grain weight, accessions NGRC05592, NGRC05582, NGRC05564, NGRC05565, NGRC05571, and NGRC05569 performed better under drought condition than other tested accessions. Accession NGRC05592 showed the highest yield under drought condition, whereas, NGRC05573 and NGRC05576 showed poor performance. GGE Biplot analysis for grain yield revealed that NGRC05571 and NGRC05592 had the highest mean yield, with the accession NGRC05592 standing out as the stable variety under changing soil moisture levels and performing best among all the tested accessions under drought condition. The possibility of accession NGRC05592 being used as a potential genetic resource for drought breeding programs has been observed, but further studies aiming at its stability under field conditions in diverse agro-climatic regions across different years are encouraged to assure its prospect for developing cultivars suited to drought-affected regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of maize globally surpassed the wheat and rice, because it is a staple crop in many regions of the world. Also, in addition to being directly consumed by people, maize is also used to make corn ethanol, animal food and several other products of maize, therefore the stability and high yield of maize is an extremely crucial part to promote long-term growth and food protection. This study looked at the effects of G × E interaction on yield stability in 23 hybrids of maize in 53 distinct Indian environments. On the basis of analyses of variance, stability tests for multivariate stability parameters were carried out. In terms of all characteristics, the genotype and environment (G × E interaction) differences were highly significant (p < 0.01), according to the pooled analysis of variance. A GGE biplot was created with the two principal components, which accounted for 66.02% and 8.51% variation in GEI for the corresponding yield per hectare. The GGE biplot and AMMI model exposed genotypes SYN916801, Bio 9682, DKC 9215, NMH 4313 as good with an indication of high mean yield and stability within the environment that were tested. By the results, we suggest breeding might boost output yield, and also the identified genotypes may be suggested for commercial farming. Also, for the creation of successful agricultural and food policy, reliable crop production estimates are essential. So, examinations were made on the machine learning techniques such as random forest and Gradient Boosting algorithm to predict crop yield responses in maize. While assessing statistical performance, GBM was found highly capable of predicting yield as compared to RF. Result showed that GBM is a good and adaptable machine learning technique for yield predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize yields perform differently in different environments, so the selection of suitable genotypes in diverse environments is essential for variety selection to enable better site-specific planting. Hence, the objective of the study was to estimate the productivity of 11 maize hybrids (G) in 10 different environments (E) and select high-yield and stable varieties for adaptive cultivation in 2022 and 2023. The combined analysis of variance showed that G (4%), E (50%), and their interaction (31%) had a significant effect (p < 0.01) on maize yield, with E factors contributing the most. In addition, the average yield ranged from 9398 kg/ha to 10,574 kg/ha, and ZF-2208 and DY-519 performed relatively well in both years. The AMMI model showed that the varieties DY-213, DY-605, and DY-519 had high and stable production in 2022, whereas it was ZF-2209 and LX-24 in 2023. The "W-W-W" biplot showed that DY-519 and JG-18 were the optimal varieties in 2022, and ZF-2208 and ZF-2210 were optimal in 2023. The "mean vs. stability" biplot indicated that JG-18, DY-605, and DY-213 (in 2022) and ZF-2208, LX-24, and ZF-2209 (in 2023) were the optimal varieties. Additionally, both the discrimination and representative biplot and the ranking biplot reflected that BinChuan and ShiDian (in 2022) and GengMa and YongSheng (in 2023) were the ideal test environments. In conclusion, DY-519, DY-605, ZF-2208, and LX-24 hybrids could be used for variety promotion. Moreover, BinChuan, ShiDian, GengMa, and YongSheng were the ideal test environments for selecting varieties. Therefore, the AMMI model and GGE biplot can be used to complement each other for a comprehensive evaluation of maize yield. In this way, excellent maize hybrids with high yield and stability can be selected, which could promote the selection and popularization of varieties and shorten the breeding process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pearl millet stands as an important staple food and feed for arid and semi-arid regions of India and South Africa. It is also a quick supplier of important micronutrients like Fe and Zn via grain to combat micronutrient deficiencies among people in developing countries. India has notably spearheaded advancements in pearl millet production and productivity through the All India Coordinated Pearl Millet Improvement Project. There were 21 hybrids evaluated over arid and semi-arid ecologies of the western and southern regions of India. AMMI and GGE biplot models were adopted to recommend a specific hybrid for the particular locality. A joint analysis of variation indicated a significant genotype–environment interaction for most of the agronomical and grain micronutrient parameters. Pearson's correlation values dissected the significant and positive correlation among agronomic traits and the negative correlation with grain micronutrient traits. GGE biplot analysis recommended the SHT 106 as a dual-purpose hybrid and SHT 115 as a biofortified hybrid for the grain's Fe and Zn content. SHT 110 and SHT 108 were selected as stable and high grain yield-producing hybrids across all environments and specifically for E1, E2, and E4 as per the Which-Won-Where and What biplot. SHT 109 and SHT 103 hybrids were stable and high dry fodder yield-producing hybrids across all environments. In this study, the Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI) was employed to select the most stable and high-performing hybrids for all traits. It selected SHT 120, SHT 106, and SHT 104 for stability and great performance across all environments. These findings underscored the significance of tailored hybrid recommendations and the potential of pearl millet in addressing both food security and malnutrition challenges in various agro-ecological regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate changes can dramatically impact wheat production in Brazil's Cerrado biome, considered a new wheat farming frontier. Therefore, new approaches are needed to better understand the G×E interaction in environments that are highly dissimilar in terms of climate variables. Here, we integrate envirotyping, adaptability, and stability techniques to better understand the G × E interaction and provide new insights for the recommendation of tropical wheat genotypes that can perform well in hotter and drier environments. Thirty-six wheat genotypes were evaluated for grain yield in eight field trials in 2018, 2019, and 2020 in the Brazilian tropical region. There is strong evidence that even in irrigated conditions, temperatures > 30 °C during the booting and heading/flowering stages dramatically reduce the grain yield. Two lines, VI14774 (GY = 3800 kg ha−1), and VI14980 (GY = 4093 kg ha−1) had better performance in the hotter environment (~ 22% and ~ 32% higher than the grand mean) and are potential germplasm sources for warmer environments at the boosting and heading/flowering stages. In this study, the REML/BLUP and GGE Biplot methods highly correlate in terms of genotype classification for selection and recommendation purposes. The genotypes VI 14127, VI 14197, VI 14026, and BRS 264 are the closest to a hypothetical ideal genotype. Overall, this study provides new insights on how the environment typing can be useful to better understand the genotype-by-environment interaction and help to breed new climate-resilient wheat cultivars for the Brazilian tropical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioural plasticity is a major driver in the early stages of adaptation, but its effects in mediating evolution remain elusive because behavioural plasticity itself can evolve. In this study, we investigated how male Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) adapted to different predation regimes diverged in behavioural plasticity of their mating tactic. We reared F2 juveniles of high‐ or low‐predation population origins with different combinations of social and predator cues and assayed their mating behaviour upon sexual maturity. High‐predation males learned their mating tactic from conspecific adults as juveniles, while low‐predation males did not. High‐predation males increased courtship when exposed to chemical predator cues during development; low‐predation males decreased courtship in response to immediate chemical predator cues, but only when they were not exposed to such cues during development. Behavioural changes induced by predator cues were associated with developmental plasticity in brain morphology, but changes acquired through social learning were not. We thus show that guppy populations diverged in their response to social and ecological cues during development, and correlational evidence suggests that different cues can shape the same behaviour via different neural mechanisms. Our study demonstrates that behavioural plasticity, both environmentally induced and socially learnt, evolves rapidly and shapes adaptation when organisms colonize ecologically divergent habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deployment of stable and high-yielding maize varieties with nutritional features can be a sustainable and costeffective approach for the alleviation of food and nutrition deficiencies among resource-limited communities in the Savannas of Nigeria. To this end, the stability and performance of grain yield and other agronomic traits of twenty (including check) elite pro-vitamin A maize varieties were evaluated in three environments in the 2018 and 2019 main growing seasons in Nigeria. The trial was laid out in a 5 × 4 1-lattice design with three replicates. Differences among the test environments were highly significant (P < 0.001) for all measured traits. The mean squares of varieties were significantly different only for flowering and foliar disease traits. The interactive effects of the varieties with the environments were highly significant (P < 0.001) for all measured traits. Grain yield among the varieties ranged between 1507.8 kg ha-1 and 3260.1 kg ha-1 with the highest yielding variety (F2TWLY131211), having a yield advantage of 36.7% over the local check. Although all the maize varieties recorded their highest grain yield in LAUTECH 2018, the rank summation index across the environments identified PVA SYN-11, ACR.91 SWWAN 1-SR C1 and F2TWLY100121 as outstanding with a 28-30% yield advantage over the check. The genotype main effect and genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot identified AFLATOXIN SYN-YF1 as high-yielding, stable and the ideal variety across environments followed by F2TWLY131211, ACR.91 SUWAN 1-SR C1 and PVA SYN-10. These promising varieties should be extensively tested in on-farm trials to validate their performance before recommending them to farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a vital leguminous crop farmed worldwide. Pea plays an essential role in China's crop rotation system, but the major restrictions to its cultivation are stability and low yield. Breeding for promising cultivars with a significantly high yield will impact the sustainability of pea production. Additionally, diverse environment trials are crucial in determining the best genotype. The new cultivar "Yunwan 52" was developed by hybridization and subsequently evaluated through yield trials among six pea genotypes across 14 environments during the 2016–2018 growing seasons. The results showed that the average yield of "Yunwan 52" for all tested environments was 2.64 t ha−1 compared to the control cultivar (Yunwan 18, 1.83 t ha−1). Analysis of AMMI variance showed significant differences (p < 0.01) between genotypes, environments, and their interaction. Based on the GGE biplot, some genotypes possessed wide and narrow adaptability to environments, such as Yunwan 52 was considered the most stable and ideal gen-otype across all tested environments. GYT biplot analysis also revealed that this realized cultivar was a superior and stable genotype that can be identified visually by combining all characters in breeding programs. Yunwan 52 distinguishes with purple blossoms and seed coat peas. It is possible to infer that the newly released cultivar "Yunwan 52" has outstanding yield performance and wide adaptability to multiple environmental conditions (resilience to abiotic stress). It will contribute to developing nutritional pea genotypes and increase pea production in irrigated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to evaluate and characterize, for the first time, the genetic potential of a collection of onion (Allium cepa L.) local accessions from the arid region of southern Tunisia. The genetic diversity among 135 onion individuals, belonging to 23 accessions, was evaluated using microsatellite (SSR) markers and phenotypic information. A total of 35 alleles were generated with 11 SSRs. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.08 to 0.95, with an average PIC of 0.43. The expected heterozygosity averaged 0.37, and the observed heterozygosity averaged 0.42. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 79% of genetic variation existed within individuals. Structure and cluster analysis grouped the accessions into two major clusters: landraces and pre-breeding lines. For the phenotypic traits evaluated, field trials were conducted in two different environments. Significant differences among accessions were shown, and for most traits, there was also a significant environmental effect and a significant interaction between environment and accession. Great variability was found for all the traits that could be exploited to create new varieties of onion adapted to local conditions by selecting appropriate parents in hybridization breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genotype and environment (G × E) interaction is a key area of research for creating stable cultivars as it has a major impact on crop yield performance. In this study, we examined the stability and adaptability of the seed yields of elite blackgram genotypes in four Agricultural Research Centers of PJTSAU consisting of diverse environments in Telangana, India during Rabi 2019-20 using Eberhart-Russell and Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) models. A combined analysis of variance showed significant differences between the varieties and the interactions between the varieties and locations for seed yield. Both Eberhart and Russell and AMMI1 model analyses of G×E interaction identified G1 (LBG-752) as the stable variety with respect to yielding ability suitable for cultivation under diverse conditions. Environments A, B, and C were found to be ideal environments for genotypes G7, G8, and G6, respectively, based on AMMI 2. The selected elite varieties based on different stability analyses could be used for further exploitation for cultivar release.

Grain sorghum is an exceptional source of dietary nutrition with outstanding economic values. Breeding of grain sorghum can be slowed down by the occurrence of genotype × environment interactions (GEI) causing biased estimation of yield performance in multi-environments and therefore complicates direct phenotypic selection of superior genotypes. Multi-environment trials by randomized complete block design with three replications were performed on 13 newly developed grain sorghum varieties at seven test locations across China for two years. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype + genotype × environment (GGE) biplot models were adopted to uncover GEI patterns and effectively identify high-yielding genotypes with stable performance across environments. Yield (YLD), plant height (PH), days to maturity (DTM), thousand seed weight (TSW), and panicle length (PL) were measured. Statistical analysis showed that target traits were influenced by significant GEI effects (p < 0.001), that broad-sense heritability estimates for these traits varied from 0.40 to 0.94 within the medium to high range, that AMMI and GGE biplot models captured more than 66.3% of total variance suggesting sufficient applicability of both analytic models, and that two genotypes, G3 (Liaoza No.52) and G10 (Jinza 110), were identified as the superior varieties while one genotype, G11 (Jinza 111), was the locally adapted variety. G3 was the most stable variety with highest yielding potential and G10 was second to G3 in average yield and stability whereas G11 had best adaptation only in one test location. We recommend G3 and G10 for the production in Shenyang, Chaoyang, Jinzhou, Jinzhong, Yulin, and Pingliang, while G11 for Yili.

Pearl millet stands as an important staple food and feed for arid and semi-arid regions of India and South Africa. It is also a quick supplier of important micronutrients like Fe and Zn via grain to combat micronutrient deficiencies among people in developing countries. India has notably spearheaded advancements in pearl millet production and productivity through the All India Coordinated Pearl Millet Improvement Project. There were 21 hybrids evaluated over arid and semi-arid ecologies of the western and southern regions of India. AMMI and GGE biplot models were adopted to recommend a specific hybrid for the particular locality. A joint analysis of variation indicated a significant genotype–environment interaction for most of the agronomical and grain micronutrient parameters. Pearson’s correlation values dissected the significant and positive correlation among agronomic traits and the negative correlation with grain micronutrient traits. GGE biplot analysis recommended the SHT 106 as a dual-purpose hybrid and SHT 115 as a biofortified hybrid for the grain’s Fe and Zn content. SHT 110 and SHT 108 were selected as stable and high grain yield-producing hybrids across all environments and specifically for E1, E2, and E4 as per the Which-Won-Where and What biplot. SHT 109 and SHT 103 hybrids were stable and high dry fodder yield-producing hybrids across all environments. In this study, the Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI) was employed to select the most stable and high-performing hybrids for all traits. It selected SHT 120, SHT 106, and SHT 104 for stability and great performance across all environments. These findings underscored the significance of tailored hybrid recommendations and the potential of pearl millet in addressing both food security and malnutrition challenges in various agro-ecological regions.

The study was carried out to evaluate the genotype by environment (G × E) interaction on physicochemical and functional properties of ten (10) cassava advanced genotypes and improved varieties. The genotypes and varieties were collected from a multi-location trial (Uniform yield) of the IITA breeding program at four research stations in Malawi. Based on the results, G × E interaction was highly significant (P ≤ 0.001) in explaining the variance of the physicochemical parameters and functional properties. Thus, G × E interaction highly influenced starch and amylopectin contents, swelling power, and water binding capacity. Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis identified I010040, MM06/0045 and TMSL110080 genotypes and Mbundumali, Mpale and Sagonja varieties as the most stable with high yield performance hence recommended for cultivation in a wide range of environments for the production of high quality cassava flour (HQCF) and starch for various industrial applications such as the production of ethanol, biofuels, starch and glucose syrup in chemical industries; thickeners, stabilizers, and texture modifiers in food, bakery and confectionery industries.

Abstract Exploration of heterosis is a strategy for enhancing sunflower yield and productivity. In India, the greatest constraints on sunflower production are stagnant and inconsistent yields. By raising them in a variety of ecological conditions, stable per-se performance with the highest yielding potential sunflower hybrids were selected. Sustainable agriculture requires the use of desirable hybrids with high seed yields and oil content too. By making three distinct crossing sets from 32 sunflower genotypes, 11 cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), and 21 restorer lines, a total of 124 hybrids were developed (comprising both lines and tester). After extensive field evaluation of all hybrids, only eight superior F1s belonging to all three sets, as well as the three national control hybrids KBSH-53, LSFH-171, and DRSH-1, were selected for stability analysis in four agro-ecological regions of West Bengal, India viz., Nimpith, Baruipur, Bankura, and Berhapore. The genetic stability of several phenotypic characters was assessed using statistical models that examine genotype-environment interaction (G × E) in multi-locational yield trials. In this experiment, the performance of hybrids under various environmental circumstances over two-year periods was measured using regression coefficient (bi) and deviations from regression (S2di). With the exception of genotypes CMS-852A × EC-601751 for volume weight (0.9335) and CMS-302A × EC-623011 for head diameter (0.0905) and volume weight (0.6425), all sunflower genotypes for all concerned traits had extremely minor and negligible deviations from regression (S2di), which showed significant values. The genotypes having insignificant values of S2di were more stable. The economic heterosis of these novel hybrids was also quantified. CMS-302A × EC-623011 in which seed yield was recorded 20.90, 20.91, 20.95 and 20.90% higher than DRSH-1 at Nimpith, Baruipur, Bankura and PORS (Berhampur), respectively. The research revealed that CMS-302A × EC-623011, CMS-853A × EC-623027 and P-2–7-1A × EC-512682 exhibited good seed production and stability for critical agronomic parameters in addition to oil content. As a result, the current researches enlighten to find out how stable the expression of important economic traits in sunflower hybrids is.

Fifty four genotypes of greengram were investigated under four different environments in a randomised block design with three replications during the year 2021. Eberhart and Russell’s model was carried out which revealed significant G × E interaction for all the traits, indicating the differential response of genotypes to changing environments. The linear and non-linear G × E components were significant for majority of the characters, suggesting the presence of both predictable and non-predictable components. The genotypes viz., VMG-66, VMG-39, VMG-79, VMG-97 and GM 6 were found to be stable and high yielding across the environments. These genotypes were also found stable for two or three other yield contributing component traits. It can be inferred from the stability analysis that none of the genotype was noticed to be ideal with greater adaptability for all the characters.

Developing and releasing cocoa varieties take several years of testing bi-parental crosses within the cocoa production belt. A critical phase in these testing schemes is multi-location evaluation under farmers' production conditions to elucidate the adaptation of promising varieties. The genotype and genotype- by- environment interaction (GEI) of 25 recently developed cocoa hybrids were assessed for establishment and precocity traits including stem diameter (SD) growth, percentage survival (%S), and number of pods per tree (NP). A randomized complete block design with four replications across five contrasting environments was used to evaluate the 25 hybrids together with two standard varieties. Variations due to genotype, environment, and GEI were highly significant (p < 0.001) for all the traits, with mean square of environment being the largest followed by the main effects and the GEI had the least. The mean performance of the hybrids ranged from 72.25% in PA7 × GEBP 303/B-M to 88% in PA7 × CRG 0543 for % S, 31.93 in T79/501 × CRG 0543 to 40.87 mm in GU 144/C × EQX 78 for SD and 2.41 in T79/501 × CRG 0543 to 4.14 in GU 144/C × EQX 78 for NP. The genotype main effects plus genotype × environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis revealed that hybrid 2 (GU 144 × EQX 78) performed best for SD growth and NP, and 12 (T63/967 × CRG 0314) for %S in most of the locations including Akomadan that had more intense dry seasons over the period. They could be used in cocoa breeding programs that seek to improve production under marginal conditions. Tafo for NP and SD growth, and Akomadan for % S were identified as the most discriminating and representative locations and considered the ideal testing locations for establishment and precocity traits. For stability, hybrids 3 (GU 144 × MAN 15–2), 7 (PA7 × EQX 78) and 17 (T63/967 × T65/238) were the best for NP, % S and SD growth, respectively. They were significantly not different from the highest performing hybrids for all the traits and could be further monitored for yield production before recommended as planting materials in Ghana and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genotype × environment (G × E) interaction has a significant impact on plant yield performance and is an important focus of researchers in developing stable varieties. This study aims to find stable, high yielding sorghum hybrids suited for a wide range of environmental conditions in Telangana. A total of 64 sorghum genotypes/hybrids were evaluated in three environments during Rabi 2020–2021 for adaptability and stability. The regression method of stability analysis was used to study grain yield adaptability and stability. Results revealed that, genotypes, environments, G × E interaction, and G × E (linear) all differed significantly. According to the findings, the highest yielding hybrid was SG-16 (2.78 kg/ plot). Based on the regression coefficient (bi) and deviation from regression (s2di) scores, the high yielding hybrids, viz., SG-26, SG-16, SG-3, SG-29, and SG-6, were found to be stable and adapted to a wide range of environments.

Considering that agricultural production needs to be adjusted to global climate changes, it is of particular importance to develop bread wheat germplasm with improved tolerance to abiotic stress conditions. Therefore, the aim of this research was to identify stable wheat genotypes with increased salinity stress tolerance. The experiment was conducted with 27 wheat genotypes, at two localities: Kumane (solonetz soil type) and Rimski Šančevi (chernozem soil type) during two growing seasons. A significant influence of genotype and environment, as well as G × E interaction, on the phenotypic expression of yield components was found. The factor of genotype had the largest effect on the variation in plant height (38.7%) and the smallest effect on the variation in the number of grains per spike (8.24%). The greatest influence of the environment (64.7%) and G × E interaction (17.44%) was found in the variation in the number of grains per spike. Salinity conditions contributed the most to the decrease in the number of grains per spike (30%), which is considered the best indicator of the impact of stress on the plant. The smallest decrease in the number of grains per spike was recorded in the genotypes Šumadija (16.0%) and Harmonija (18.8%). However, AMMI and PCA analyses showed that the genotype Harmonija is characterized by a higher value of the number of grains per spike and greater stability. The genotypes Renesansa, Jugoslavija, Bankut 1205, and Harmonija were characterized by the smallest reduction in plant height under salinity conditions, among which Jugoslavija and Renesansa exhibited high stability and lower trait values. The smallest reduction in spike length was found in the genotypes Jugoslavija and Šumadija, which exhibited the specific adaptability to salinity stress. In terms of salinity tolerance, the genotypes Šumadija, Harmonija, and Renesansa are considered valuable genetic resources in breeding programs.

The genetic diversity of crop wild relatives is a rich source of valuable genes for plant breeding. Potato wild relatives are an important potential source for breeding programmes focused on heat resistance due to their wider adaptability to different climatic conditions. Wild potato accessions from Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) Potato Genebank were assessed and compared to dihaploids and tetraploid cultivated genotypes by measuring tuber yield-related traits and then by analysing through mixed models using the restricted maximum likelihood (REML)/best linear unbiased predicted (BLUP) procedure under heat stress. So, the present study aimed to select the most productive wild potato genotypes under two ranges of temperatures by investigating adaptability and stability of parameters through mixed modelling. Twenty-one genotypes comprising 17 wild potatoes (thirteen diploid Solanum chacoense, one triploid S. chacoense and two diploid S. commersonii), four dihaploid S. tuberosum and one tetraploid commercial cultivar of S. tuberosum (BRSIPR Bel) were evaluated under favourable crop temperature and heat stress conditions using a randomised complete block design. Significant differences were observed for the effects of genotypes and the G × E interaction. Broad sense heritability ranged from 0.24 to 0.59. Genotypic variance was the largest component of phenotypic variance, followed by environmental variance and interaction variance. We observed the highest genotypic correlation by dry matter content. Accuracy of selecting wild genotypes was high for all traits. The genotypes BGB088 (dihaploid S. tuberosum) and BGB113 (diploid S. chacoense) performed as the best ones in most of the studied traits under heat stress. These genotypes show better stability (HMGV), adaptability (RPGV and RPGV*GM), and stability and adaptability of genetic values (HMRPGV and HMRPGV*GM) under high temperature by mixed model methodologies. Conversely, BGB009 and BGB045 (diploid S. commersonii) and BGB086 (triploid S. chacoense) showed consistence in ranking among the ones last for genotypic values for all methodologies. Thus, we concluded that BGB088 and BGB113 are promising genotypes of interest to further studies for providing higher tuber yield under heat stress or non-favourable potato crop environmental conditions. These genotypes should be further assessed in efforts to evaluate the crossability and proceed introgression essays towards broadening the genetic basis of potato crop available for breeding to achieve more resilient cultivars under abiotic stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the curvilinear relationship between early stressful life events and future-oriented coping and whether the HOMER1 (rs7713917) polymorphism can moderate the relationship between early life stress and two types of future-oriented coping, 14,675 Han Chinese people were surveyed. The relationship between the number of early stressful life events and future-oriented coping adhered to a quadratic curve. HOMER1 polymorphisms moderated the relationship between the impact of early life stress and preventive coping (β = −0.02, 95% CI [−0.03, −0.01], p = 0.010), which was different from that of proactive coping (β = −0.01, 95% CI [−0.02, 0.01], p = 0.073). Individuals with the AA genotype who experienced a high impact of early life stress were more likely to use preventive coping compared with those who experienced a low level of early life stress, but they showed no difference in their proactive coping strategies. In contrast, individuals with the GA/GG genotype displayed higher vulnerability to environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red sorghum, a versatile crop with high nutritional and biochemical value, was evaluated for agronomic and grain quality traits using 27 genotypes across diverse environmental zones of Tamil Nadu. The data collected were subjected to Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and Genotype-by-Environment Interaction (GGE) biplot models to recommend a specific genotype for the particular locality. The analysis of variation of the pooled data revealed a significant interaction effect between genotype and environment for the majority of the examined traits. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive association of panicle weight and a negative association of micronutrient content with grain yield. The G × E was smaller than the genetic variation of grain yield as it portrayed the maximum contribution of genotypic effects (50.2%). GGE biplot showed E2 as a highly discriminating environment for grain yield and also identified environment-specific genotypes viz., G11 for E1, E3 and G6 for E2 environments. The GGE biplots recommended G9 and G14 as high-yielding stable genotypes, outperforming the check variety PAIYUR 2 (G15) by 15.83% and 36.16% respectively, across all environments, particularly in E1 and E3. The genotypes G14, G18, G21 and G26 shown wide adaptation and excelled as biofortified genotypes with significant Fe and Zn contents. Multi-trait stability evaluation approaches such as multi trait stability index (MTSI), multitrait genotype‒ideotype distance index (MGIDI), multi-trait index based on factor analysis and genotype-ideotype distance (FAI-BLUP), multitrait mean performance and stability index (MTMPS) and Smith-Hazel index assuming 15% selection intensity were adopted. G14 consistently ranked as the top and steady performer in all evaluation methods. The identified genotype demonstrated exceptional reliability, high yield potential, and early maturity, making them suitable candidates for variety and hybrid development, as well as ideotype breeding programs aimed at ensuring food and nutritional security., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Reproductive senescence is common across taxa and females often show a predictable decline in fecundity after maturity. Attending to these age-dependent cues could help males make optimal mate choice decisions. Here, we examined reproductive senescence and male mate choice in the androdioecious mangrove rivulus ( Kryptolebias marmoratus ), where self-fertilizing hermaphrodites exist with rare males. Hermaphrodites showed a strong decline in fecundity as they aged and genetic lineages varied in their fecundity at both young and old ages. Surprisingly, when given a simultaneous choice between genetically identical old and young hermaphrodites, males did not simply prefer younger hermaphrodites. Instead, male preference for younger versus older partners depended on the genetic lineage of the partners, resulting in a strong genotype × age interaction. For some genetic lineages, hermaphrodites were more attractive to males when younger, but for other genetic lineages, hermaphrodites were more attractive when older. Our results suggest that the genetic identity of the partner is key to how males weigh age-dependent changes in fecundity and that males are able to assess genetic variation in attractiveness over a partner's reproductive lifespan. Exploring how gamete viability and outcrossing are affected by age across genetic lineages could help us further understand these male preferences.