Stability assessment for selection of elite sugarcane clones across multi-environment based on AMMI and GGE-biplot models

Seven field experiments were conducted at three experiment stations representing major sugarcane producing regions in Egypt. Each experiment comprised a randomized complete block design with three replications. Fourteen elite breeding lines typical of those routinely generated in the three final selection stages of sugarcane breeding programs in Egypt, along with one check variety (GT54-9) were evaluated for cane and sugar yield in this study during the 2018/2019, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons. Stability parameters including cultivar stability rank and superiority index were determined. The data was also investigated using GGE-biplots, the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model (AMMI), and the AMMI stability value (ASV). The genotype main effect was used to visualize the G x E interaction. The results of these trials are of significance in guiding the selection and recommendation of superior sugarcane varieties and more stable in sugarcane production zones. The clone G.2016–129 had a mean sugar yield and cultivar superiority index for sugar yield exceeding that of GT54-9, and hence was recommended for commercial planting. Because of local conditions in Egypt, an elite sugarcane variety would have high and stable yield and would adapt to a wide range of environments. In the present study, only one clone G.2016–129 fit that definition by producing higher and more stable sugar yield than the commercial variety GT 54–9.. At the side of multivariate analyses, the ASV (AMMI stability value) supports selection of stable varieties in the AMMI Method. Varieties with lowest ASV are stable. Therefore, the results of this study exposed that G.2016–95, F-150 and G.2016–129 with lowest ASV for cane yield by contrast, G.2009–11, G.2016–128, F-150 and G.2016–95 with lowest ASV for sugar yield, were stable clones for cane and sugar yields, respectively.