A comprehensive multivariate approach for GxE interaction analysis in early maturing rice varieties

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Breeding
• Genetics

Background:

• Genotype-environment (GxE) interactions are crucial for assessing genotype performance across diverse conditions, particularly for early maturing rice.
• Traditional GxE analysis often focuses narrowly on grain yield, overlooking its polygenic nature and the need for multivariate assessment.
• Developing robust multivariate methods is essential for comprehensive GxE interaction analysis in early maturing rice genotypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive multivariate approach for analyzing GxE interactions in early maturing rice.
• To improve the accuracy and responsiveness of GxE interaction analysis for genotype evaluation.
• To identify adaptive early maturing rice varieties through advanced GxE interaction assessment.

Main Methods:

• Conducted field trials in Bone and Soppeng, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, across two seasons and locations using a randomized complete block design.
• Employed a novel multivariate approach combining multiple regression index analysis, BLUP, factor analysis, and path analysis.
• Integrated days to harvest, biological yield, and grain yield into a weighted multiple linear regression model.

Main Results:

• The developed multivariate approach proved adequate for evaluating early maturing rice GxE interactions, achieving high coefficients of determination (R² > 0.8) and gradients (b > 0.9).
• Specific varieties demonstrated strong performance: Inpari 13 (R²=0.9, b=1.05), Cakrabuana (R²=0.98, b=0.99), and Padjajaran (R²=0.95, b=1.07) showed excellent grain yield with favorable days to harvest.
• These varieties yielded 7.83 t ha⁻¹, 7.37 t ha⁻¹, and 7.29 t ha⁻¹ respectively, with harvest days of 98.12, 95.52, and 97.23.

Conclusions:

• The proposed index approach is recommended for GxE interaction analysis in early maturing rice genotype evaluation.
• Inpari 13, Cakrabuana, and Padjajaran are identified as promising, adaptive early maturing rice varieties.
• The multivariate method enhances the comprehensiveness and responsiveness of GxE interaction assessments for crop improvement.