Genotype × environment interactions for potato yield and quality traits: Identification of ideotypes adapted in different ecological regions of Northwest China.

BACKGROUND

As a multi-use cash crop, the yield and quality traits of potatoes are often affected by genotype × environment interactions (GEI). Understanding the influence of GEI on potato yield and quality across varying environmental conditions is crucial for selecting excellent varieties suitable for specific ecological regions.

METHODS

Ten advanced potato lines and twenty-two cultivars were assessed at three pilot sites in Gansu Province, China over two successive years (2020-2021). Tuber yield, dry matter, starch, reducing sugar, carotenoid, vitamin C, pyridoxamine, thiamine, nicotinic acid, pyridoxal and pyridoxine were analyzed.

RESULTS

An analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant effects of GEI on all traits, with the greatest effects observed for vitamin C, reducing sugars, and carotenoids. AMMI, the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), and the genotype main effect plus genotype × environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis revealed that G25 exhibited high yield, high dry matter content, and high carotenoid content in Weiyuan County. In Anding District, G18 showed high yield, high thiamine content, and low reducing sugar content. Meanwhile, G7 demonstrated superior performance with high yield, high carotenoid and thiamine contents, along with high pyridoxine content in Yongchang County. Genotype recommendations based on the mean values and stability of a single trait are partial and prejudiced, while selections based on multiple traits are desirable. Five ideal genotypes (G23, G26, G25, G24, and G16) were selected by multi-trait stability index (MTSI) in consideration of both the mean values and stability of yield and key quality traits.

CONCLUSIONS

Multi-environment trials revealed that GEI significantly affected vitamin C, reducing sugars, and carotenoids in potato. Five high-yielding and high-quality potato genotypes adapted to different ecological regions of Gansu Province were identified using MTSI analysis. This study provides references for the regional cultivation and quality breeding of potatoes.