Performance and Stability for Yield and Component Traits of Elite Sugarcane Genotypes Across Production Environments in Thailand

Abstract

High and stable yield across varying environments are desirable traits of crop cultivars. The objectives of this study were to assess the performance and stability for cane yield, sugar yield and related component traits of elite sugarcane genotypes across the range of production environments in Thailand, and to identify the traits that contributed to high yield performance and stability. Data from multi-environment trials of ten sugarcane genotypes conducted at nine locations covering different sugarcane growing regions of the country for two crop-classes were used. Performance and stability of the test genotypes were evaluated by the GGE biplot method based on sugar yield, cane yield, commercial cane sugar (CCS), stalk number, stalk length, stalk weight and stalk diameter. Khon Kaen 3 and Kps94-13 were identified as the most superior genotypes for sugar yield, having consistent performance and stability of sugar yield across the two crop-classes and also ranking high in cane yield and CCS, while K88-92 was the most superior genotype in cane yield. The relative performance and stability of genotypes for plant crop and ratoon crop were consistent for all traits except stalk weight. Sugar yield was largely determined by cane yield, while stalk number and stalk length were the major factor determining the superiority of cane yield in the present study. Medium stalk diameter was also found to be associated with high CCS. These three traits could be used as indicators for selection for high and stable sugar yield in sugar cane.