Genetic variability, G × E interaction and stability for iron and zinc content in sorghum grains in advanced breeding lines. (March 2023) - Madhusudhana, R.
Abstract: Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrients and play a major role in the growth and health of an individual. Micronutrients deficiencies can be alleviated by feeding the food grains which are biofortified. Sorghum is a staple food cereal supplying the daily nutritional requirements of the poorest of the poor in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Genotype × environment interaction (G × E) is major cause of inconsistency in the expression of micronutrients under different production environments. In this study, we investigated the effect of G × E on Fe and Zn along with one hundred grain weight (TW) using 20 genotypes at three target locations in India. Fe and Zn were positively correlated but negatively with TW. The AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interactions) analysis indicated that G × E interaction was significant for Fe and TW, and not for Zn. Two Interaction principal components IPCA1 and IPCA2 were significant for three traits and accounted for 100% of interactions. AMMI stability index (ASI) and Simultaneous Selection index (SSI) identified genotypes with least G × E. Multi-trait stability analysis identified genotypes SPV2856, SPV2631 and Phule Panchami for their superior nutritional and TW values. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Twenty sorghum lines were evaluated in MLT for Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn) and grain weight (TW). Significant genotype (G), environment (E), and G × E effects were observed. Fe and Zn were positively and significantly correlated. AMMI stability index (ASI) and Simultaneous Selection index (SSI) found genotypes with least G × E and stable performance. Multi-trait stability analysis identified genotypes SPV2856, SPV2631 and Phule Panchami with high nutritional and TW values.