Agronomic Performance, Stability Analysis and Evaluation of Anthracnose Disease Resistance of Common Bean Lines Derived by Marker-Assisted Backcrossing in Uganda

The present study focused on evaluating the agronomic performance, stability, and anthracnose resistance of common bean lines derived through Marker-Assisted Backcrossing in Uganda. Eight marker-assisted selection (MAS) backcross-derived bush bean lines with red seed types, alongside two checks, were evaluated in a randomized complete block design replicated two times in five locations for three consecutive crop-growing seasons in 2021 and 2022. The study aimed to identify lines with both high stable yields and enhanced resistance to anthracnose disease for potential release and utilization in future bean varietal development in Uganda. Agronomic traits, including days to 50% flowering, days to 90% physiological maturity, seed yield, seed yield components, and anthracnose disease reaction under natural infestation were assessed. The response to anthracnose disease was further assessed using six isolates of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum representing six different races. Results indicated that the agronomic performances of the MAS backcross-derived bush bean lines were statistically comparable to the recurrent parent NABE14. Specifically, six lines exhibited statistically equal to or higher performance than NABE14 in terms of seed yield, total number of seeds and number of pods per plant. The combined analysis of variance for seed yield showed significant (p Co-42 and Co-5 anthracnose resistance genes in the derived line. In conclusion, UGKT-B157-4, identified as the best-performing and stable genotype, demonstrates promise for release and use in future bean varietal development in Uganda, offering a combination of high yields and enhanced anthracnose disease resistance. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of Marker-Assisted Backcrossing in improving common bean varieties in the region.

Variation and stability analysis of growth traits of poplar clones in the seedling stage in northeast China

Plant phenotypes are infl uenced by genetic and environmental factors.In this study,the growth traits of 43 one-year-old poplar clones grown at diff erent sites in northeast China(Dongling State-owned Forest Protection Center,DL;Baicheng State-owned forest farm,BC;and Cuohai Forest farm,CH)were evaluated and analyzed across clones and sites.Results show signifi cant diff erences in height and base diameter among sites and clones.Phenotypic and genetic variation coeffi cients ranged from 49.59%(BC)to 58.39%(DL)and from 49.33%(BC)to 58.06%(DL),respectively.Additive main eff ects and multiplicative interaction(AMMI)analysis showed that the eff ects of genotype,environment,and genotype×environment interaction were signifi cantly diff erent.Genetic variation was the main source of variation,accounting for 48.6%.AMMI biplot showed that clone 30 had high and stable yields at the three sites.From an evaluation of multiple traits and GGE biplot that clone 2,clone 30 and clone 25 had higher yield than the other clones at DL,CH and BC,respectively.These clones will provide material for forest regeneration in northeast China.

Family selection and evaluation of Larix gmelinii var.principis-rupprechtii(Mayr.)Pilger based on stem analysis data at multiple sites

Larix gmelinii var.principis-rupprechtii(Mayr.)Pilger is an important native tree species in North China with advantages of fast growth,straight trunk,and good wood properties.The multi-year and multi-site breeding research of families of the species has not been reported previously.Based on diameter at breast height(DBH),height and volume of 25 families on four experimental sites,we calculated variance components,genetic parameters,juvenile and mature trait correlations and made genotype main effect plus genotype×environment interaction effect(GGE)biplot based on the breeding values estimated using the method of best linear unbiased prediction(BLUP).Compared with height,DBH and volume had higher heritability and larger variation coefficients,making them the more suitable traits for family selection and evaluation.Based on these,GGE biplots containing 20 combinations of site×age were drawn using data at 13 to 17 years when the interactions between family and location were strong.Test sites classifications based on DBH,and volume were inconsistent,with two categories for DBH and one for volume.The Guyuan site was the most suitable with strong discriminating ability,high representativeness and stability among tree ages.Integrating the ranking results of DBH and volume,families 66,76,82 and 111 were high-yielding and stable,families 78 and96 were high-yielding with above average stability,families72 and 79 were high-yielding with below average stability,whereas stability of family 100 was inconsistent between DBH and volume.Early selection based on DBH was convenient and reliable,and can be made at seven years.This study provides support for the selection of Larix gmelinii var.principis-rupprechtii families in Hebei province and an example for the application of stem analysis data from multiple sites in tree breeding.

Improvement of Early Maturing and Climate Resilient Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Cultivars Suitable for Multiple Environments in Bangladesh

Ensuring food security for the rapidly increasing population and changing climatic scenarios are requisites for exploiting the genetic divergence of food crops.A study was undertaken to sort out an early maturing chickpea variety for fitting easily between rice-rice cropping systems in the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plain of Bangladesh.The trial was comprised of eight elite lines of chickpea and executed at various localities in Bangladesh from 2014–15 to 2017–18.The result explored the chickpea genotype,BARI Chola-11 remained superior to the rest of the elite genotypes for having a short maturity period(100–106 days),and lesser days to 50%flowering(47–55 days).The same genotype was recorded to have robust vegetative and reproductive yield attributes including plant height(49–57 cm),podsplant−1(37–50),and optimum 100 seed weight(19.5–20.6 g).Owing to better yield attributes,BARI Chola-11 resulted in the maximum seed yield(1200–1500 kg ha-1)of chickpea and might be recommended for general adoption in the region for boosting nutritional security status through improved productivity under changing climate.

应用多元统计分析玉米农艺性状

在作物遗传育种研究中,产量及其相关性状多属于数量性状范畴,这类性状由多基因控制,易受环境影响使其遗传极为复杂,并且性状间常存在复杂相关关系。产量及其相关性状间的复杂关系使得育种中对以产量为目标的选择极为困难。多元统计分析是研究客观事物中多个变量之间相互依赖的统计规律性综合分析方法。合理利用多元统计分析可以加深对性状间相互关系的遗传规律及各相关性状对产量影响的主次和依存关系认识,为新品种选育和改良提供理论依据。对35个玉米品种(组合)的20个农艺性状应用GGE双标图、因子分析和聚类分析研究,结果表明,平均日产量、千粒重、穗长与产量呈显著正相关;20个农艺性状可综合为6个公因子;以6个公因子为综合指标对35个品种(组合)聚类结果聚成17个类群,其中G8、G14、G12、G10和G17为综合性状优良品种(组合)。

基于层次分析法和GGE双标图对引进马铃薯种质资源的综合评价

基于层次分析法和GGE双标图法对引进于国际马铃薯中心的97份马铃薯种质资源的主要农艺性状以及适应性、稳定性、丰产性等方面进行综合分析,筛选与鉴定优良可利用种质资源,同时为构建马铃薯种质资源的综合评价体系提供理论依据。结果表明,农艺性状、产量性状和品质性状所占权重大小为0.075、0.70和0.23,其中农艺性状中株高和茎粗所占权重为0.38和0.29,产量性状中产量权重为0.73,品质性状中干物质含量和蛋白质含量权重分别为0.4和0.2。C77和C51适合在甘肃省白银市景泰地区推广种植,C116、C89、C27、C66和C98在甘肃省定西市地区适应性强;参试品系稳定性大小为C49>C46>C116>C112>C93;丰产性为C89>C116>C93>C97>C112>C49>C46>C67。层次分析法与GGE双标图综合分析可知:C46、C49、C112、C116综合表现较好,可以作为优良品系参加品种审定试验,也可以作为亲本材料。层次分析法和GGE双标图相结合可以作为引进马铃薯种质资源综合评价体系的标准。

早期新石器时代贾湖遗址人类的体质特征及与其他地区新石器时代人和现代人的比较

河南省舞阳县贾湖村遗址是新石器时代早期文化遗存。根据非测量性特征，贾湖人具有一般蒙古人种的特点，其人种属性应归属于蒙古人种。根据测量性特征，贾湖人的体质特征主要表现在颅指数属于园颅型；颅长高指数Ｉ和ＩＩ都属于高颅型；颅宽高指数属于中颅型；全面指数（Ｍ３９５）属于狭面型；上面指数（ｐｒ）属于中上面型；眶指数Ｉ（ｍｆ－ｅｋ）和眶指数Ｉ（ｄ－ｅｋ）都属于中眶型；鼻指数属于中鼻形；腭指数属于阔腭型；枕大孔指数属于阔型；总面角属于平颌型（下限）。把贾湖人与其他新石器时代人组和现代人组（共１５组，１１个体质特征项目），运用多元统计分析方法的系统聚类、ＢＩＰＬＯＴ法及判别分析法加以统计并作比较分析，可把所比较群体划分为３大类群：①新石器时代组的北方类群；②新石器时代组的南方类群；③我国现代人类群。贾湖新石器时代人属于新石器时代组的北方类群。在新石器时代组的北方类群这个小范围内，贾湖新石器时代人的体质特征与本省内的下王岗新石器时代人的体质特征又较接近些。通过比较，可看到现代人类与新石器时代人类之间的区别大于现代南方人和现代北方人之间的区别；在从新石器时代人类向现代人类进化发展的几千年过程中，处于南方、北方地理位置上的人类在?

Genotype×year interaction of pod and seed mass and stability of Pongamia pinnata families in a semi-arid region

Sixteen pongamia families were evaluated in a field experiment for eight consecutive years in dryland conditions to identify stable,high-yielding families.The trial was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications.Each family,consisting of nine trees per replication,was planted at a spacing of3 m x 3 m.Yield stability was analyzed using(1)Eberhart and Russel’s regression coefficient(β_i)and deviation from regression(S_d^2),(2)Wrike’s ecovalence(W_i);(3)Shukla stability variance(σ_i^2);and(4)Piepho and Lotito’s stability index(L_i).Families were also analyzed for adaptability and stability using AMMI and GGE biplots graphical methods.The study revealed significant variances due to family and family x year interaction for pod and seed yield.Families performed differently and ranked differently across years.The performance of families was influenced by both genetic factor and environmental conditions in different years.Among families tested,TNMP20,Acc14,TNMP14 and Acc30 were high yielders for pods,and Acc14,Acc30,TNMP6,RAK19 and TNMP14 were high for seed yield.According to the Eberhart and Russell model,Acc30,TNMP14 and TNMP3 were stable across years.In the graphical view of family x year interaction based on AMMI methods,TNMP3,TNMP4 and TNMP14 had greater stability with moderate seed yield,and Acc14 and Acc30 had moderate stability with high seed yield.On the other hand,GGE biplots revealed Acc14,Acc30 and TNMP14 as high yielders with moderate stability.AMMI and GGE biplots were able to capture nonlinear parts of the family x year interaction that were not be captured by the Eberhart and Russel model while also identifying stable families.Based on different methodologies,Acc14,Acc30 and TNMP14 were identified as high yielding and stable families for promoting pongamia cultivation as a biofuel crop for semi-arid regions.

GGE biplot analysis of yield stability and test location representativeness in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) genotypes

The experiments were conducted for three consecutive years across 14 locations using 9 non-waxy proso millet genotypes and 16 locations using 7 waxy proso millet genotypes in China. The objectives of this study were to analyze yield stability and adaptability of proso millets and to evaluate the discrimination and representativeness of locations by analysis of vari- ance （ANOVA） and genotype and genotype by environment interaction （GGE） biplot methods. Grain yields of proso millet genotypes were significantly influenced by environment （E）, genotype （G） and their interaction （GxE） （P〈0.1%）. GxE inter- action effect was six times higher than G effect in non-waxy group and seven times in waxy group. N04-339 in non-waxy and Neimi 6 （NM6） in waxy showed higher grain yields and stability compared with other genotypes. Also, Neimi 9 （NM9, a non-waxy cultivar） and 90322-2-33 （a waxy cultivar） showed higher adaptability in 7 and in 11 locations, respectively. For non-waxy, Dalat, Inner Mongolia （E2） and Wuzhai, Shanxi （E5） were the best sites among all the locations for maximizing the variance among candidate cultivars, and Yanchi, Ningxia （El0） had the best representativeness. Wuzhai, Shanxi （e9） and Yanchi, Ningxia （e14） were the best representative locations, and Baicheng, Jilin （e2） was better discriminating location than others for waxy genotypes. Based on our results, El0 and e14 have enhanced efficiency and accuracy for non-waxy genotypes and waxy genotypes selection, respectively in national regional test of proso millet varieties.

One compound approach combining factor-analytic model with AMMI and GGE biplot to improve multi-environment trials analysis

To improve multi-environmental trial(MET)analysis,a compound method—which combines factor analytic(FA)model with additive main effect and multiplicative interaction(AMMI)and genotype main effect plus genotype-by-environment interaction(GGE)biplot—was conducted in this study.The diameter at breast height of 36 open-pollinated(OP)families of Pinus taeda at six sites in South China was used as a raw dataset.The best linear unbiased prediction(BLUP)data of all individual trees in each site was obtained by fitting the spatial effects with the FA method from raw data.The raw data and BLUP data were analyzed and compared by using the AMMI and GGE biplot.BLUP results showed that the six sites were heterogeneous and spatial variation could be effectively fitted by spatial analysis with the FA method.AMMI analysis identified that two datasets had highly significant effects on the site,family,and their interactions,while BLUP data had a smaller residual error,but higher variation explaining ability and more credible stability than raw data.GGE biplot results revealed that raw data and BLUP data had different results in mega-environment delineation,test-environment evaluation,and genotype evaluation.In addition,BLUP data results were more reasonable due to the stronger analytical ability of the first two principal components.Our study suggests that the compound method combing the FA method with the AMMI and GGE biplot could improve the analysis result of MET data in Pinus teada as it was more reliable than direct AMMI and GGE biplot analysis on raw data.

Evaluation of Genotype × Environment Interaction in Rice Based on AMMI Model in Iran

Identification of high-yielding stable promising rice lines and determination of suitable areas for rice lines would be done by additive main effects and multiplicative interaction(AMMI) model. Seven promising rice genotypes plus two check varieties Shiroudi and 843 were analyzed using a randomized complete block design with three replications in three consecutive years(2012, 2013 and 2014). Homogenous error variance was indicated in the nine environments for grain yield. The combined analysis of variance indicated significant effects of environment, genotype and genotype × environment(GE) interactions on grain yield. The significant effect of GE interaction reflected on the differential response of genotypes in various environments and demonstrated that GE interaction had remarkable effect on genotypic performance in different environments. The application of AMMI model for partitioning the GE interaction effects showed that only the first two terms of AMMI were significant based on Gollob's Ftest. The lowest AMMI-1 was observed for G7, G2 and G6. G7 and G6 had higher grain yield. According to the first eigenvalue, which benefits only the first interaction principal component scores, G1, G6, G2 and G9 were the most stable genotypes. The values of the sum of first two interaction principal component scores could be useful in identifying genotype stability, and G6, G5 and G2 were the most dynamic stable genotypes. AMMI stability value introduced G6 as the most stable one. According to AMMI biplot view, G6 was high yielding and highly stable genotype. In conclusion, this study revealed that GE interactions were an important source of rice yield variation, and its AMMI biplots were forceful for visualizing the response of genotypes to environments.

Genotype-by-environment interaction for grain yield among novel cowpea(Vigna unguiculata L.) selections derived by gamma irradiation

This study determined the effects of genotype-by-environment(G × E) interaction and stability of yield among elite cowpea(Vigna unguiculata L.) selections derived by gamma irradiation. The study was conducted in Namibia at three selected sites: Bagani, Mannheim,and Omahenene, during 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. Thirty-four newly developed mutant genotypes and three local checks were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Grain yield data were analyzed using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction(AMMI) and the genotype main effect plus genotype-by-environment interaction(GGE) biplot methods. The AMMI and GGE biplot models explained 77.49% and 75.57% of total observed genotypic variation, respectively.Bagani and Omahenene were the environments best discriminating the test genotypes during 2014/2015 and 2015/2016, respectively. Four promising mutant genotypes: G9(Sh L3 P74), G10(Sh R3 P4), G12(Sh R9 P5), and G4(Sh L2 P4), showed wide adaptation and grain yields of 2.83, 2.06, 1.99, and 1.95 t ha^(-1), respectively. The novel mutant lines are useful genetic resources for production or future cowpea breeding programs in Namibia or similar environments.

Evaluation of drought indices to identify tolerant genotypes in common bean bush(Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses often causing negative impacts on bean crops in the Andean region in Colombia. An experiment under the greenhouse conditions was carried out to assess the effect of a prolonged drought period(15 days) at two different phenological stages(vegetative or reproductive) on grain yield and yield components of five bush bean cultivars(ICA-Cerinza, Bachue, NUA35, Bianca, and Bacatá). Nine tolerance indices including stress susceptibility index(SSI), tolerance(TOL), mean productivity(MP), geometric mean productivity(GMP), stress tolerance index(STI), yield stability index(YSI), yield index(YI), Harmonic mean(HM), and drought sensitivity index(DSI) were calculated based on grain yield under non-stressed(YP) and drought(YS) conditions. Based on the different drought indices, genotypes ICA-Cerinza and NUA35 had the best performance under drought conditions in both studied phases, which reflected in a reduction of grain yield ~≤40%. The biplot analysis also showed a clear superiority of these two genotypes at both phenological stages. Results also showed that SSI was more effective to identify genotypes less affected by drought. The above results allowed us to conclude that ICA-Cerinza and NUA35 may be considered for agricultural areas where long periods of water deficit are expected and can be used in breeding programs for drought tolerance.

The Application of GGE Biplot Analysis for Evaluating Test Locations and Mega-Environment Investigation of Cotton Regional Trials

In the process to the marketing of cultivars, identification of superior test locations within multi-environment variety trial schemes is of critical relevance. It is relevant to breeding organizations as well as to governmental organizations in charge of cultivar registration. Where competition among breeding companies exists, effective and fair multi-environment variety trials are of utmost importance to motivate investment in breeding. The objective of this study was to use genotype main effect plus genotype by environment interaction（GGE） biplot analysis to evaluate test locations in terms of discrimination ability, representativeness and desirability, and to investigate the presence of multiple mega-environments in cotton production in the Yangtze River Valley（YaRV）, China. Four traits（cotton lint yield, fiber length, lint breaking tenacity, micronaire） and two composite selection indices were considered. It was found that the assumption of a single mega-environment in the YaRV for cotton production does not hold. The YaRV consists of three cotton mega-environments： a main one represented by 11 locations and two minor ones represented by two test locations each. This demands that the strategy of cotton variety registration or recommendation must be adjusted. GGE biplot analysis has also led to the identification of test location superior for cotton variety evaluation. Although test location desirable for selecting different traits varied greatly, Jinzhou, Hubei Province, China, was found to be desirable for selecting for all traits considered while Jianyang, Sichuan Province, China, was found to be desirable for none.

A Study on Genotype-by-Environment Interaction Analysis for Agronomic Traits of Maize Genotypes Across Huang-Huai-Hai Region in China

Facing the trend of increasing population,how to increase maize grain yield is a very important issue to ensure food security.In this study,28 nationally approved maize hybrids were evaluated across 24 different climatic conditions for two consecutive years(2018-2019).The purpose of this study was to select high-yield with stable genotypes and identify important agronomic traits for maize breeding program improvement.The results of this study showed that the genotype
environment interaction effects of the 12 evaluated agronomic traits was highly significant(P<0.001).We introduced a novel multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index(MGIDI)to select genotypes based on multiple agronomic traits.The selection process exhibited by this method is unique and easy to understand,so the MGIDI index will have more and more important applications in future multi-environment trials(METs)research.The genotypes selected by the MGIDI index were G22,G10,G12 and G1 as the high yielding and stable genotypes.The parents of these selected genotypes have the ability to play a greater role as the basic germplasm in the breeding process.A new form of genotype(G)main effects and genotype(G)-by-environment(E)interaction(GGE)technician,genotypeyieldtrait(GYT)biplot,based on multiple traits for genotypes selection was also applied in this study.The GYT biplot ranked genotypes by combining grain yield with other evaluated agronomic traits,and displayed the distribution of their traits,namely strengths and weaknesses.

Multienvironmental evaluation of wheat landraces by GGE Biplot Analysis for organic breeding

This study was conducted to determine the performance of wheat landraces cultivated under organic conditions and to analyze their stability across diverse environments. Six wheat landraces with specific characteristics (high protein content, drought tolerance, stay green) were tested under organic growing environment. The experiments were applied in three locations (Larisa (LAR), Thessaloniki (THES), Kilkis (KIL)) for three growing seasons. The role of specific agronomic traits (stay green, lodging) and their correlation with yield components were analyzed. Stability and genotypic superiority for grain yield were determined using ANOVA and genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis. Furthermore, the interrelationships among wheat traits and genotype-by-trait using regression analysis, coefficient of variation and (GT)-biplot technique were studied. Significant differences were found in yield among wheat landraces tested, and also in yield components, as related to specific traits expressed into organic environment. Best varieties in terms of yield were the medium statured landraces Skliropetra and M. Argolidas, characterized by lowest weight of 1000 grains, large number of spikes per m2 meter and the highest number of grains per spike as compared to the other landraces. The statistical model GGE biplot provides useful information for experimentation of wheat landraces when grown under organic environment. It identifies clearly the ideal and representative environment for experimentation and underlines the effect of specific traits for each wheat cultivar on yield performance and stability across environments.

Biplot Analysis of Genotype by Environment for Cooking Quality in Hybrid Rice: A Tool for Line × Tester Data

A study of combining ability for improving rice cooking quality was carried out via genotype plus genotype x environment （GGE） biplot. Four restorer lines and three male sterile lines were used to obtain F1 in a line x tester trial at the Rice Research Institute, Amol, Iran in 2009. GGE biplot analysis showed that Neda and IR56 were the best general combiners for amylose content （AC）, whereas Nemat and IR28 had the highest general combining ability （GCA） effects for gelatinization temperature （GT）, and IR58 and IR59 showed the highest GCA effects in terms of gel consistency （GC）. Meanwhile IR58 and IR59 showed large specific combining ability （SCA） effects for AC, while Neda and SA13 had high SCA effects for GT. Nemat and IR28 had large SCA effects for GC. Because intermediate levels ofAC, GT and GC are ideal, Nemat × IR59 was considered as the best possible cross. Based on these results, the GGE biplot showed good potential for identifying suitable parents, heterotic crosses and the best hybrids in line x tester data.

Evaluation of yield,stability and adaptability of national winter rapeseed regional trials in the upper Yangtze River region in 2017-2018

Rapeseed variety needs to be tested by regional trial in multiple sites for many years before being applied in market in China.Performants of rapeseed were affected by the interaction of sites and varieties.Evaluation of regional trials is very important for guiding rapeseed breeding.GGE(genotype main effects and genotypeenvironment interaction)biplot was used to evaluate yield,stability,adaptability,representativeness and discrimination of national winter rapeseed trials in the upper reaches of Yangtze River in 2017-2018.Results showed that the main effects of genotype(G),environment(E)and genotypeenvironment interaction(GE)were significant(P<0.01)for yield.Among them,E accounted for 46.95%total variation on average,G and GE accounted for 19.34%and 33.71%respectively.Eight varieties were found with high-yield,excellent stability and adaptability,including‘Yiyou 29’,‘Xiwang 920’,‘Liyouza 108’,‘Nanyou 546’,‘Dadi 195’,‘Jiayou 1’,‘Huayouza 28’and‘Yuhua 2’.Test sites included Nanchong,Mianyang,Wanzhou,Shuangliu and Chengdu in Sichuan Province and Zunyi together with Guiyang in Guizhou Province were selected for their excellent representativeness and discrimination.These results would provide theoretical basis for rapeseed breeding.

Perceptions of Rice Farmers towards Production Constraints: Case Study of Niger State of Nigeria and Hainan of China

Rice yield is still low in Nigeria despite the ecological advantages. Several challenges has been traced it production. The study intend to investigate if other rice producing nations are faced with similar challenges and at what magnitude and more importantly, what can be learn to improve the rice yield in Nigeria. Based on 2013/2014 survey, a total sample of 400 famers were randomly interviewed;164 from Niger State of Nigeria and 236 from Hainan province of China. The study collate the perception of farmers to rice production constraints categorized into biotic, abiotic and socioeconomics. Biplot analysis was employed to examine multivariate pattern of their perceptions towards production constraints. The multivariate technique simultaneously displaying different yield levels and factor constraints in data matrix providing the inter-unit distances, variance and correlations of variables. According to the study, Niger state farmers identified socioeconomic constraint as the major factors to production and attributed it to lack of or insufficient investment while the Hainan farmers majorly identified abiotic constraints. The study also indicated that great potential remain to further improve rice yield in both regions especially in Nigeria given the appropriate investment on essential inputs. This study is of great use to extension officers more so, given the investment in Africa, policy makers take advantage of the bilateral and multilateral relationship to invest ease transfer of agricultural information and technologies between or among partners.

Identification of compact germplasm resources suitable for high density cultivation in Brassica napus L.

Branch angle is an important plant architecture trait and is considerably important for the ideal plant architecture of high density cultivation of rapeseed. In this study,12 representative rapeseed lines were first measured for whole-plant branch angles using image processing technology. Top branch angle (TBA) and basal branch angle (BBA) were significantly different in each line in which TBA was greater than BBA. Then, 156 rapeseed germplasm lines were evaluated for TBA and BBA in main cultivated regions of the Yangtze River Basin (Zunyi; Wuhan; Lu'an). In these three environments, the TBA and BBA of the rapeseed germplasm sources varied, in which ranges of 33.44°-73.17°and 18.73°-59.11°, 29.66°-61.91°and 22.32°-60.16°, and 28.47°-76.32°and 22.98°-72.68°, respectively. ANOVA showed that TBA and BBA were susceptible to environmental and had broadsense heritability (H2) values of 89.09%and 87.40%, respectively. Interactions of genotype by environment were also significant. There was diversity in branch angle among rapeseed genotypes. GGE biplot analysis showed that compact accession lines (Nilla, Purler and AV-SAPPHI) were the most desirable compact genotypes in all environments. Stability analysis showed that the genotype with the most minimum branch angle was stable for compact plant architecture.