Stable Genotypes Research Articles

Evaluation of Seed Yield Stability of Lentil Genotypes Based on REML/BLUP and Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI)

Evaluation of Seed Yield Stability of Lentil Genotypes Based on REML/BLUP and Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI)

Unraveling the effects of genotype, environment and their interaction on quality attributes of diverse wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes

Understanding the impact of genotype, environment and their interaction on the expression of quality attributes aids in precise selection for improving wheat quality in breeding programmes. The present study analyzed 41 diverse wheat genotypes grown at three different environments during rabi 2019-20 for 15 quality traits. Location Indore showed high genotypic performance for most of the traits, followed by Delhi, indicating favorable environments for quality trait expression. AMMI and pooled ANOVA analyses revealed significant E+GEI effects for Fe (89.14%), Zn (87.68%), test weight (76.97%), and grain protein content (75.43%). Polyphenol oxidase activity (87.42%) and sedimentation value (66.35%) showed strong genotypic effects, highlighting substantial genetic diversity influencing these traits. GGE biplot analysis identified C306 (G34), C273 (G38), C518 (G39), and C591 (G40) as the best-performing and stable genotypes across locations for grain protein content, gluten components traits, Fe, Zn, and grain hardness. AEC view of GGE biplot highlighted ideal genotypes C273 (G38) and C518 (G39) for falling number, GW322 (G35) and C518 (G39) for damaged starch, and C306 (G34), CS46 (G10), and C591 (G40) for total sugars. C273 (G38), C518 (G39), C591 (G40), and C306 (G34) were identified as highly desirable for multiple quality traits, showcasing their value as parents for simultaneous improvement in wheat breeding programme

Selection of high yielding stable forage sorghum genotypes using WAASB and MGIDI methods

Forage sorghum is a versatile and sustainable crop that is less demanding on inputs, produces significant biomass, and is tolerant of drought. In the present study, a set of 30 forage sorghum genotypes, including 21 B–lines and 9 varieties or restorer lines were evaluated under five different environments in Assam and Hyderabad during kharif, rabi and summer 2020–2021 for 12 forage yield related traits. Phenotypic stability was analyzed using multivariate techniques, including the weighted average absolute scores of BLUPs (WAASB) stability index and the multi-trait genotype ideotype distance index (MGIDI). A WAASBY, Y x WAASB bi-plot analysis revealed that genotypes G24 (348B), G25 (424B), and G30 (SSG-59-3) exhibited excellent stability with higher mean performance. MGIDI identified four genotypes, viz., G30 (SSG-59-3), G7 (NSS11B), G19 (327B) and G24 (348B) with higher mean performance and stability for all the 12 studied traits. These selected genotypes exhibited high heritability and genetic gain for green forage yield, indicating their stability and desirability. The strength-weakness plot showed that all selected genotypes were weak contributors to the MGIDI for all traits. This indicates that these genotypes are stable and closer to the ideotype, making them ideal candidates for breeding programs aimed at improving these traits.

Multi-phenotyping and genotyping of Spanish groundnuts from diverse crosses to identify sources of fresh seed dormancy and selection of high yielding stable genotypes

Groundnut breeding is focused on developing high-yielding Spanish–type varieties with fresh seed dormancy (to avoid sprouting). Fourteen advanced breeding lines were multi-phenotyped and genotyped for fresh seed dormancy under different germination tests. Further, the genotypes were evaluated for their performance and adaptability using GGE biplots. Thus, widely adapted genotypes were PBS 11077 and PBS 15014 for pod yield per plant (PYLP); PBS 14064 for sound mature kernels (SMKs); PBS 16023 for hundred pod weight (HPW); and PBS 11077 for hundred kernel weight (HKW). PBS 14064 and PBS 15056 (for PYLP), PBS 15056 and PBS 15022 (for SMKs), PBS 16022, PBS 16044 and PBS 14060 (for HPW) and PBS 14064, PBS 14060 and PBS 14068 (for HKW) were appropriate for a specific environment. So, the fresh dormant genotypes PBS 11077, PBS 16023, PBS 14064 and PBS 15014 performed well across all test locations and were designated as ideal in terms of fresh seed dormancy, yield, stability, and emerged as the top fresh dormant genotypes

Dissection of the Genetic Basis of Genotype by Environment Interactions for Morphological Traits and Protein Content in Winter Wheat Panel Grown in Morocco and Spain.

To fulfill the growing demand for wheat consumption, it is important to focus on enhancement breeding strategies targeting key parameters such as yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), quality characteristics including morphological traits, and protein content. These elements are key to the ongoing and future objectives of wheat breeding programs. Prioritizing these factors will effectively help meet the rising demand for wheat, especially given the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns. This study evaluated the morphological traits and protein content of 249 winter wheat varieties and advanced lines grown in eleven different environments in Morocco and Spain incorporating three varied sowing dates. The results showed considerable variability in morphological traits and protein content. Significant correlations were observed among various grain traits, with most grain morphological parameters exhibiting negative correlations with protein content. Differences across environments (p ≤ 0.01) in all traits, genotypes, and genotype by environment interaction were significant. A factorial regression analysis revealed significant impacts of environmental conditions on all grain morphological parameters, protein content, and TKW during the three growth stages. The study identified several high-performing and stable genotypes across diverse environments, providing valuable insights for wheat breeding programs such as genotypes 129, 234, 241, and 243. Genome-Wide Association Studies pinpointed 603 significant markers across 11 environments, spread across chromosomes. Among these, 400 markers were linked with at least two traits or observed in at least two different environments. Moreover, twelve marker-trait associations were detected that surpassed the Bonferroni correction threshold. These findings highlight the importance of targeted breeding efforts to enhance wheat quality and adaptability to different environmental conditions.

Multi-Locational Evaluation of Forage-Suited Selected Sudan Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] Accessions Identified High-Yielding and Stable Genotypes in Irrigated, Arid Environments

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a subtropical grain and forage crop. It is privileged with several desirable forage attributes. Nevertheless, research on pearl millet is limited, especially as a forage crop, in developing countries. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the field performance and stability of pearl millet genotypes for forage yield across seven environments. The study was conducted in seven environments (combination of locations and seasons) during the 2016/2017–2018/2019 seasons. Twenty-five pearl millet genotypes, selected based on forage yield from a core collection of 200 accessions, were arranged in an alpha lattice design with three replications. The parameters measured were fresh forage yield, days to flowering, plant height, number of culms m−2, leaf-to-stem ratio, and stem girth. The combined analysis revealed that environments, genotypes, and their interaction had significant effects on all traits studied except the genotypic effect on stem girth. Across the seven environments, four genotypes (G14, G01, G12, and G22) outyielded the check genotype in fresh matter yield by 20.7, 16.5, 11.0 and 9.8%, respectively. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis showed that the genotype, environment, and their interaction were highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) for fresh matter yield. The results of AMMI stability values (ASVs) and the genotype selection index (GSI) combined with the AMMI estimate-based selection showed that genotypes G14, G22 and G01 were the most stable and adapted genotypes and were superior to the check genotype. These results indicate that forage pearl millet varieties could be developed directly through evaluating the wealth of available collections or indirectly through hybridization in crop breeding programs.

Combined selection for productivity, adaptability, and stability in corn genotypes for baby corn production

AbstractBaby corn is the name given to the female inflorescence of corn (Zea mays L.) before fertilization, being harvested in 2–3 days after the issuance of the styles‐stigmata. Currently, in Brazil, there is no specific corn cultivar for baby corn production, which leads to the use of popcorn and sweet corn cultivars because they are more accepted in the food industry. Therefore, the objective of this work was to estimate the genetic parameters and determine the efficiency of simultaneous selection based on productivity, adaptability, and stability of corn genotypes for baby corn production in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The evaluations were conducted in 2019 on family properties in six municipalities in the state of Espírito Santo. Eleven corn genotypes were evaluated for baby corn production, being a double hybrid, four native varieties, and six commercial varieties. The design was randomized blocks with four repetitions each. The genetic parameters were estimated, which were obtained using the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP), and the selection was carried out by the harmonic mean of the relative performance of genotypic values (HMRPGV). It was observed that the environments influenced the performance of the genotypes, configuring specific adaptation. The genotypes AG 1051, Aliança, and BR 106 presented the best performances in all the environments evaluated, considering, simultaneously, the productivity, adaptability, and stability of marketable ears. The HMRPGV method provided optimized selection of corn genotypes to produce baby corn with high productive potential, predictable behavior, and responsive to environmental stimuli.

Exploring Resistant Sources of Chickpea against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris in Dryland Areas

Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that has a significant impact on chickpeas worldwide. This study examined the response of 58 chickpea genotypes to Fusarium wilt. The experiment was conducted over two growing seasons at the Sararoud and Maragheh research stations at the Drylands Agricultural Research Institute of Iran. Genotype resistance was screened through wilt incidence records and nonparametric stability statistic evaluation. The identified resistant genotypes were then evaluated in the greenhouse for their response to four isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (races 1/BC, 2, 4, and 6). Out of 58 genotypes, 32 exhibited moderate resistance, while 24 showed strong resistance abilities. Under warmer conditions, disease severity was higher, with scores at the Sararoud location being higher than those at the Maragheh location. Of the total genotypes across all locations and years, 41.4% were resistant, 55.17% were moderately resistant, 1.72% were susceptible, and 1.72% were highly susceptible. The nonparametric stability measures S(1), S(2), and S(3) identified FLIP 05-42C and FLIP 05-43C as stable and resistant genotypes. The study found that Azad/Hashem K3 was stable based on the non-parametric stability measure S(6). Other resistant genotypes were identified using stability parameters NP(1), NP(3), and NP(4), while FLIP 05-104C was identified by NP(2). The genotypes selected by nonparametric stability parameters showed resistance against at least two Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris races. The screening method and nonparametric stability statistics used in this study were effective in identifying sources of resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris.

Genotype × Environment Interaction for Appraisal of Iron and Zinc Rich Stable Genotypes in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Background: Micronutrient malnutrition is a severe peril for wellbeing of humankind, which can be holistically addressed through genetic biofortification. Lentil, proclaim as poor man’s meat can hold a great promise in global biofortification programme. The present study was designed to appraise genetic variability for Fe and Zn content and elucidate the role of Genotype × Environment interaction for delimitation of micronutrient enriched stable lentil genotypes integrating HA-GGE biplot with REML/BLUP. Methods: Grain Fe and Zn content of 44 lentil genotypes grown at three different locations of West Bengal during two consecutive years were estimated for deciphering the G × E interaction combining HA-GGE and REML/BLUP. Result: Results revealed substantial genetic variability for Fe (48.07 to 107.45 mg kg-1) and Zn (38.72 to 60.07 mg kg-1) in 44 lentil genotypes with significant influence of environment and GE interaction. The present study precisely detected ILL-10123 and VL-156 as the ‘ideal’ genotypes for Fe and Zn content, respectively in addition to non-redundant testing location. Identified genotypes and testing location aid in global biofortification programme for upscaling micronutrient concentration in lentil.

Evaluation of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivars for some biochemical and agronomic traits under drought stress

This experiment aimed to evaluate quantitative and qualitative characteristics, tolerance to water deficit, and stability of white sugar in sugar beet cultivars. The experimental design was a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications, where the irrigation levels (normal and water shortage) were assigned to the main plots and 18 sugar beet cultivars were assigned to the subplots. The result revealed that Palma achieved the maximum root and white sugar yield under normal and water deficit; furthermore, the highest indices of YP, YS, MP, STI, HM, YI, DI, REI and MRP belonged to the Palma cultivar. The results of the AMMI analysis based on white sugar yield showed that the additive effects of genotype and environment and the multiplicative effect of G×E accounted for 75.52, 17.05 and 6.76 % of the total data variance. Based on AMMI stability value, the Delta, Pars, Paya and Novodoro cultivars were recognized as stable varieties. Also, the first 2 significant components of the interaction effect (G×E) accounted for 99.12 % of interaction effects variation. Based on the biplot results of the first 2 significant components against white sugar yield, Azare and Merak were the appropriate cultivars. Finally, Based on the multi-trait stability index, Azara, Novodoro and Merak cultivars were selected as stable genotypes. In 2 years and 2 conditions, the Palma cultivar was identified as a cultivar with high yield and drought tolerance and low stability and the Merak cultivar was identified as a cultivar with white sugar yield and acceptable stability.

Yield stability among potato varieties suitable for different agroecological regions of Bangladesh

Multilocation trials are usually performed in breeding and variety evaluation programs to identify stable genotype(s) with similar crop performance in various environments. The present study evaluated the stability of six selected potato varieties (BARI Alu-7, BARI Alu-8, BARI Alu-25, BARI Alu-28, BARI Alu-36, and BARI Alu-41) suitable for multiple locations (Barishal, Bogura, Cumilla, Jamalpur, Jashore, Munshiganj, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi) in Bangladesh from 2014 to 2019. The study considered genotype and environment as treatments, year as replications and used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with to construct the genotype plus genotype-vs-environment interaction (GGE) model. The joint analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes and environments (GE). The scores of PC1 (principal component 1) and PC2 (principal component 2) cumulatively explained approximately 63 % of the total variation in GE interactions and were used to construct the GGE biplot. BARI Alu-8 and BARI Alu-28 were the best genotypes, with high average yields and high stability across the locations. Jamalpur and Munshiganj was identified as the desired locations among the tested environments for growing all the genotypes. This study will help potato growers select highly stable high-performance varieties for a particular environment to achieve maximum tuber production.

Unraveling genotype-by-environment interaction in maize using cutting edge statistical tools: Innovative empirical selection for increased yield stability

By prioritizing high yields in ideal conditions, traditional breeding might miss out that genotypes with superior yield and stability. Thus,this study seeks to identify stable genotypes that offer more predictable and reliable yields; under both stress and resourceful environments, leading to not only greater food security but financial stability as well. Incorporating both fixed (AMMI&GGI) and random effects models (BLUP & MTSI), not only leveraged theoretical but also empirical comparisons-weakness of each model is covered by all 4 models-to select elites hybrids Maize. Furthermore, a multi-environment trial assessed 41 hybrids across 4 research stations in 2 winter seasons using RCB design. Likewise, compiled cutting-edge statistical methods for GEI analyses from the “metan” package (R-Software), selected hybrids with consistent performance with meticulous analysis. AMMI(Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction)analysis revealed that of significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects of genotype, environment, & genotype-environment interaction (GEI), explaining yield variance with interaction effects were captured by 3 interaction principal components (IPCs). Moreover,GEI graphics of AMMI biplots elucidates four hybrids(MRM-4062, Super-22, PAC-744, and Gen-4118) with high yield stability and above-average performance. Additionally, eight hybrids (4118, 4558, 5454, NMH1258, PAC 746, PAC 745 Gold, and SUPER 9090) exhibited superior yield, regardless of their stability. Nepalgunj exhibited the lowest GEI value. Conversely, Rampur displayed an above-average GEI, indicating a strong ability to modulate varieties performance. Besides this, GGE biplot revealed two potential mega-environments based on yield similarities. Nine high-yielding hybrids (SUPPER 6768, SUPPER 9396, PAC750, MBS5622, PAC745 Gold, MRM4065, NMH8392, Gen-4118, and Gen-4558) were identified as vertex hybrids, signifying their superior performance across wide environments. Even supposing, mixed effects model, both the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) weighted with average absolute score standardized by yields (WAASBY) models, Gen-4118 ranked highest in terms of average yield, followed by NMH-8392, TMH2858, and others, and Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI) identified SUPPER-9090 as the most stable and high-yielding genotype, followed by NMH4040, Super-22, Gen-4118, MBS-1144, and NMH1255. In a nutshell, Gen-4118, Super-9090, MRM-4062, NMH1258, NMH-8392, TMH2858, PAC 746, PAC 745 Gold emerge as the highest-yielding and most consistently high-performinghybrids, offering promise for commercial farming across diverse environments. Clearly,this study has potential to mitigate risks for farmers (economic burden, crop failure) and bolster food security/climate resilience. What's more, it paves the way for future research on cold tolerance genes for even greater crop improvement.

Performance Evaluation of Different Sorghum Genotypes (Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench) Using GGE Bi-plot Stability Analysis

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an important essential cereal crop in Ethiopia. Conversely, its productivity is low due to numerous biotic and abiotic factors. There are diverse and dynamic environmental conditions which needs detail and continue study on genotypes by environment interaction (GEI) to develop stable genotypes. The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of GEI for grain yield of forty two sorghum genotypes and to identify stable and high yielding genotypes across locations. The experiments were laid out at three locations for two growing seasons using alpha lattice design with three replications. The plot size 5 m x 0.75 m x 2 rows (7.5 m<sup>2</sup>) and distance between block, replication, and plot was 1m, 1.5m, and 0.75m, respectively. Phonologic, agronomic, diseases and grain yield data were collected but only grain yield was used for stability analysis. The ANOVA revealed highly significant variation (p <0.01) among sorghum genotypes across locations and seasons. Mean grain yield of genotypes ranged from 1.29 to 3.69 with mean grain yield of 2.36, while environment range from 1.18 to 3.63 t/ha. The genotype G1 showed good performance across all test sites which range 5<sup>th</sup> at E1,3<sup>rd</sup> at E3 and E4, 15<sup>th</sup> and 7<sup>th</sup> at E5 and E6 and maximum grain yield was harvested from E3. Yield data were also analyzed using the GGE (that is, G, genotype +GEI, genotypes-by- environment interaction) bi-plot method. The first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) were used to create a 2- dimensional GGE bi-plot and explained 59.67 and 13.48 % of GGE sum of squares, respectively. GGE bi- plot identified G16, G4, and G1 high yielders and stable and G34 and G25 was the lowest yielding and least stable across locations. On the other hand, the environment E6, E4 and E1 were the most suitable to select desirable genotypes.

Stability Analysis and Genetic Variability in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.)

Aims: To estimate the genetic variability and to identify the stable buckwheat genotype for growth and yield parameters. Study Design: Eberhart and Russell model. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, Karnataka during Jan-April 2021-2022. Methodology: Fifteen genotypes of buckwheat were assessed for stability parameters for 15 characters across three environments i.e, full dose of recommended fertilizer (RDF), 3/4th dose of RDF and 1/2nd dose of RDF. The pooled data of these environments were used for estimation of genetic variability. Results: The heritability estimates were moderate to high for all the characters. The genetic advance over mean was found highest for number of clusters per cyme (35.05%), seed yield per plot (32.68%) and seed yield per hectare (32.72%). The genotype EC-104035 was found stable for seed yield per plant, per plot and hectare, EC-386667, EC-3222, Nilgiri local, PRB-1 and Sangla B-460 for thousand seed weight, IC-313134 and EC-3222 for plant height at 45 days after sowing and at harvest, Shimla B-1 for plant height at 15 days after sowing, IC-49671, IC-274429 and Sangla B-460 for number of branches at 30 DAS, PRB-1 for days to first flowering and Nilgiri local for days to 50 percent flowering. Conclusion: The genotypes stable for more traits with high genetic variability, will be considered for future breeding program.

Genotype-by-environment interaction analysis for grain yield of barley genotypes in the warm climate of Iran

In the present study, multi-environmental trials were performed on 19 newly developed barley genotypes at five test regions across the warm climate in Iran for two consecutive years. The results of additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), GGE biplot (GGE) model, and several BLUP-based stability parameters and integrated models (WAASB and WAASBY) were used to reveal GEI patterns and identify superior genotypes with stable grain yield across test environments. Statistical analyses revealed that grain yield was influenced by significant environments (E), genotypes (G), and GEI effects. Among AMMI-, BLUP-, and grain mean-based stability parameters, the harmonic means of genotypic values (HMGV), relative performance of genotypic value (RPGV), and harmonic mean of RPGV parameters indicated a dynamic concept of stability. Moreover, results of GGE biplot analysis identified three mega-environments with different winner genotypes in test environments. Regardless of the different years, the Ahvaz, Darab, and Moghan regions were identified as Type-II environments due to their highest discrimination power and representative ability. The grouping pattern considerably followed the ranking of genotypes in GGE biplot analysis and WAASB model. In conclusion, our results revealed that genotypes G9 and G10 had grain yield higher than the reference genotype and relative stability in specific environments with favorable environmental conditions. Genotype G5 had general adaptability and stability across all test environments. This genotype can be recommended for cultivation in a wide range of environments in the warm climate of Iran.

Response of mungbean genotypes for resistance against mungbean yellow mosaic virus

Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) is an important viral disease across mungbean growing areas and causes severe yield loss in mungbean especially during the spring/summer season. The present study was envisaged to identify MYMV donors in mungbean. A total of 104 mungbean genotypes were evaluated for MYMV under natural field conditions during summer, 2019. The results revealed that MYMV severity ranged from 0% to 100% among mungbean genotypes. Out of 104 genotypes, 32 genotypes were completely free from MYMV, two genotypes exhibited resistant reaction (R), 22 genotypes were found moderately resistant (MR) and the remaining 48 genotypes were susceptible to highly susceptible reaction to MYMV. Thus, the identified 34 promising lines of mungbean were further evaluated against MYMV along with susceptible check DGGV-2 under epiphytotic conditions during the summer of 2020 and 2021. Pooled data of MYMV over the two years indicated that six genotypes namely, IPM-1205-2, IPM-2-14, IPM-410-3, IPM14-10, IPM-205-7 and IPM-1604-1 were showed stability for MYMV resistance. These identified stable resistant genotypes will serve as potential donors for the mungbean breeding program to develop resistance cultivars.

New lentil variety RKL 58F-3715: a case study depicting the emergence of desirable transgressive segregants

Lentil is one of the world’s most important cool-season grain legumes. The frequency of natural recombinants and segregants under natural conditions is very low in lentil due to their cleistogamous flower. The present investigation depicted the emergence of desirable transgressive segregants obtained from spontaneous mutation. Exploiting these hypervariable mutants, a highyielding lentil variety RKL 58F-3715 (Kota Masoor 4; KM 4) was developed from the progeny of a natural variant. The identified single deviated plant from the seed production plot of DPL 62 was probably a spontaneous mutation. During generation advancement, the progenies showed hypervariable segregants, especially for seed morphological traits, such as size, shape, colour and texture. The breeding cycles following rigorous selection under modified pedigree and single seed descent delivered the high-yielding stable genotype KM 4. Hypervariable progenies were obtained from natural mutants, distinguished in morphological traits such as earliness, light foliage colour, and prominent tendrils from the parent variety. The national weighted mean over locations over the year of KM 4 for grain yield was 1865 kg/ha, with yield superiority of 22.80% over national check DPL 62. Considerable resistance against major diseases, i.e., wilt and rust, makes it a durable genotype for commercial cultivation in major lentil-growing areas of India.

Enhanced radiation use efficiency and grain filling rate as the main drivers of grain yield genetic gains in the CIMMYT elite spring wheat yield trial

Common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major staple food crop, providing a fifth of food calories and proteins to the world’s human population. Despite the impressive growth in global wheat production in recent decades, further increases in grain yield are required to meet future demands. Here we estimated genetic gain and genotype stability for grain yield (GY) and determined the trait associations that contributed uniquely or in combination to increased GY, through a retrospective analysis of top-performing genotypes selected from the elite spring wheat yield trial (ESWYT) evaluated internationally during a 14-year period (2003 to 2016). Fifty-six ESWYT genotypes and four checks were sown under optimally irrigated conditions in three phenotyping trials during three consecutive growing seasons (2018–2019 to 2020–2021) at Norman E. Borlaug Research Station, Ciudad Obregon, Mexico. The mean GY rose from 6.75 (24th ESWYT) to 7.87 t ha−1 (37th ESWYT), representing a cumulative increase of 1.12 t ha−1. The annual genetic gain for GY was estimated at 0.96% (65 kg ha−1 year−1) accompanied by a positive trend in genotype stability over time. The GY progress was mainly associated with increases in biomass (BM), grain filling rate (GFR), total radiation use efficiency (RUE_total), grain weight per spike (GWS), and reduction in days to heading (DTH), which together explained 95.5% of the GY variation. Regression lines over the years showed significant increases of 0.015 kg m−2 year−1 (p < 0.01), 0.074 g m−2 year−1 (p < 0.05), and 0.017 g MJ−1 year−1 (p < 0.001) for BM, GFR, and RUE_total, respectively. Grain weight per spike exhibited a positive but no significant trend (0.014 g year−1, p = 0.07), whereas a negative tendency for DTH was observed (− 0.43 days year−1, p < 0.001). Analysis of the top ten highest-yielding genotypes revealed differential GY-associated trait contributions, demonstrating that improved GY can be attained through different mechanisms and indicating that no single trait criterion is adopted by CIMMYT breeders for developing new superior lines. We conclude that CIMMYT’s Bread Wheat Breeding Program has continued to deliver adapted and more productive wheat genotypes to National partners worldwide, mainly driven by enhancing RUE_total and GFR and that future yield increases could be achieved by intercrossing genetically diverse top performer genotypes.

Adaptive potential of winter common wheat varieties in the Penza region

The current paper has presented the results of long-term study (2014–2023) of productivity, adaptability parameters and correlation between a genotype and environment of winter common wheat varieties in the forest-steppe conditions of the Penza region. The purpose of the study was to determine the response of winter common wheat varieties in changing agroclimatic conditions according to productivity. The vegetation conditions during the years of study varied in temperature and amount of precipitation, which served as a good background for conducting research on the issue in question. The objects for the study were 9 zoned varieties approved for cultivation in the Middle Volga region and 5 winter common wheat varieties developed by the FSBRI CBFC. The zoned winter common wheat variety ‘Fotiniya’ was used as a standard. The years of the varieties’ study were divided into favorable, typical (mean) and unfavorable (dry, excessively wet). Winter common wheat productivity in favorable years averaged 5.68 t/ha, in typical years it was 4.32 t/ha and 2.19 t/ in unfavorable years. As a result of determining the response of winter common wheat varieties in changing agroclimatic conditions according to productivity, there was proven a strong effect of environmental conditions and genotype. There have been proposed for breeding use such valuable and stable genotypes of winter common wheat as ‘Biryuza’, ‘Skipetr’, ‘Don-eko’, ‘Alyonushka’, ‘Pamyati Krivobocheka’, ‘Surskaya Nika’, ‘Dargo’, which should be placed on a high and medium agricultural background. The varieties ‘Fotiniya’ and ‘Klavdiya 2’ are highly adaptable to unfavorable cultivation conditions and will have an advantage over other varieties in medium and low agricultural backgrounds.

Screening of Wheat Genotypes for Water Stress Tolerance Using Soil–Water Relationships and Multivariate Statistical Approaches

Drought stress constricts crop production around the world. Employing high-yielding cultivars with drought tolerance might be the ideal professional approach to coping with its detrimental outcomes. As a result, the current study was performed to investigate the sensitivity and tolerance of nine wheat genotypes to drought stress. In a randomized block design experiment, nine wheat genotypes were subjected to four water treatments: 100%, 85%, 70%, and 55% of the available water (AW). Four water regimes in two growing seasons were counted as eight environmental zones. The leaf’s water relations and photosynthetic pigment were estimated, as well as growth and yield parameters. Univariate and multivariate statistical approaches, including the new method of multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance (MGIDI), were used for evaluation. The analysis of variance revealed that genotype, environment, and their interactions had a highly significant effect on all traits. The same trend was shown by the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis of variance for grain yield across the environments. The AMMI biplot study indicated that the G8 genotype is the most stable in terms of water stress. The G7 genotype can withstand droughts up to 55% of the available water, while the G8 and G3 genotypes can withstand droughts up to 70% of the available water. Based on all examined traits, this index was used to identify the stable genotypes G7, G8, and G3, which can therefore be suggested for cultivation during drought conditions. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between the MGIDI, ANOVA, and tolerance index results, indicating that the same desirable genotypes of G7 and G8 were identified by these procedures as being highly tolerant and stable across a range of soil moisture conditions. Based on MGIDI analysis, we can recommend that the G7 genotype exhibits higher grain yield and yield-related traits with the best drought-tolerant indices.