Sugarcane Genotype Performance in Three Environments (Based on Crop Cycle) at Mardan, Pakistan

Sugarcane breeders often face significant genotype x environment interactions in their trials grown under multiple environments. Hence, genotypes need to be tested for their stability across different environments keeping in view the significant interactions. An experiment comprising 28 sugarcane genotypes (including 2 checks) was planted in two plant and one ratoon crops during 2010 to 2013 in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Data were recorded on cane, yield, and quality characters. Analyses of variance showed significant mean squares for crops, genotypes, and their interactions. The linear contrasts of two plant crops were found non-significant for tillering, vigor rate, stalk diameter, Brix, Pol, recovery, and cane yield. However, the contrast for plant crops versus ratoon was non-significant for stalk diameter only. Shukla’s stability variances and yield stability indices (Ysi) showed that no single genotype was stable for all characters. However, genotypes MS-2003-CP-209, MS-2003-CP-275,CoJ-76, MS-2003-CR2-131, and MS-2003-CR5-245 were stable for cane yield. The results of the study indicate the importance of genotype x environment interaction and stability in the ongoing varietal development program