Using genotype plus genotype × environment (GGE) bi-plot analysis to identify promising amaranth accessions in Western Nigeria

Abstract

SummaryAmaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is predominantly a self-pollinating plant and represents a promising and highly nutritious pseudo-cereal (a non-grass plant that produces edible grain) and vegetable crop. Genotype × environment (G × E) interactions exist during cultivar evaluation, indicating the need to identify and select stable, high-performing genotypes that are best suited to a given set of environmental conditions. This study was carried out to examine the effect of G × E interactions on the performance and stability of 30 amaranth accessions and to identify reference test environments in which to evaluate amaranth. All 30 amaranth accessions were evaluated for leaf dry matter (DM) contents and seed yields across four different environments using a randomised complete block design. The four growing environments were situated at two locations, Ibadan and Abeokuta, in Southwest Nigeria, between 2009 and 2010. Genotype plus G × E (GGE) biplot analysis was used. Averaged across all four environments, amaranth accessions NG174 and NG430 produced the highest leaf DM and seed yields, respectively. The test environment contributed 10.9% and 48.0% of the total variation in leaf DM and seed yield, respectively; while G × E accounted for 36.9% and 20.3% of the total variation, respectively. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) G × E interactions indicated changes in the ranking of accessions in the test environments. Ibadan was identified as the more discriminating and representative of the two locations used in the study. NG145 and NG205 produced the highest leaf DM contents and seed yields, respectively, and were the most stable accessions at Ibadan. TIBET50, NG430, and NG174 were better adapted to Abeokuta, while NH161, NG174 and AM44 were better adapted to Ibadan. These accessions could serve as potential parents for future breeding and selection programmes on amaranth.