Multi-Trait Selection Indices for Identifying New Cassava Varieties Adapted to the Caribbean Region of Colombia

Rommel León,Hernán Ceballos,John Belalcazar,Carina Cordero,Amparo Rosero,Julio Morelo,Jorge-Luis García,Ender Correa,Alfonso Orozco,Víctor De La Ossa,Gabriel Silva,Leonardo Villalba

doi:10.3390/agronomy11091694

Abstract

In Colombia, the highest cassava production comes from the semi-arid region of the Atlantic Coast with relatively low yield for fresh consumption (≤11 t/ha). Development of improved varieties is based on a plant ideotype which integrates a group of desirable traits independently measured in the field. However, selecting high performance genotypes for several traits simultaneously is a complex process. Sixteen genotypes were evaluated under four environmental conditions (localities) of the Colombian Caribbean region (Cereté, Carmen de Bolivar, Agustín Codazzi, and Sevilla), and two production cycles (2016/2017–2017/2018) in order to assess phenotypic expression of selected traits, their stability, and utility in genotype selection. Selection of promising genotypes should consider both their superiority and stability. Genotypes SM3106-14, GM1692-56, CM9456-12, and GM214-62 were selected based on their agronomic performance. In addition, frequency analysis of sensorial data showed that genotypes CM9456-12, SM1127-8, SM3553-27, and SM3562-32 were preferred by panelists who assessed, color, flavor, texture, and root shape. Determination of superiority through across-environments, multi-trait selection index allows identifying genotypes with superior performance. However, selection was improved when local multi-trait selection indices were included—phenotypic stability determination (through Lin and Binns index and AMMI model) supported an adequate selection of superior and stable cassava genotypes. The inclusion of palatability response and quality features determination in cassava genotypes can be recommended to identify genotypes with higher adoption rates by farmers and consumers.

Highlights

Cassava is considered a staple food for more than 1 billion people worldwide
This study shows the potential of integrating different tools and calculations of selection indices that allows the identification of promising cassava genotypes with high potential for fresh consumption evaluated in multi-location trials
Study Area The study was conducted in four locations of the Colombian Caribbean region corresponding to four locations: Agustín Codazzi (Codazzi), Carmen de Bolivar (CarmenB), Cereté (Cerete), and the Zona Bananera (Sevilla), corresponding to the departments Cesar, Bolívar, Córdoba and Magdalena (Figure 1), respectively, during two production cycles (2016/2017-2017/2018), except in Coddazi, where it was not established in 2016 due to administrative issues

Summary

Introduction

Cassava is considered a staple food for more than 1 billion people worldwide. Regarding alternative sources of energy, the caloric intake from cassava is higher than that provided by different cereals and legumes. The crop has become essential for the food security of developing countries, in sub-Saharan Africa. In terms of per capita consumption, Colombia occupies the tenth place worldwide reporting an average of 38.5 kg per person per year [1]. In Latin America, approximately 45% of the area cultivated with cassava corresponds to regions with limited water availability or sporadic rainfall cycles [2]. Cassava is cultivated in all the regions of Colombia, finding in the semiarid environments the highest yields

Methods

Results

Conclusion