Assessment of sugarcane varieties for their stability and yield potential in Fiji

Abstract

The Sugar Research Institute of Fiji breeds and produces new varieties of sugarcane for the Fiji sugar industry for commercial production. The development of sugar cane varieties that show superior performance in different environments is a major challenge for breeders due to the response of genotypes across environments. This study was to evaluate the relative performance the genotypes during breeding program and identify promising ones that could be released for cultivation. Thus, an investigation was carried out to determine the magnitude of Genotype Environment interactions and the stability analysis of the genotypes cultivated in Fiji. Seventeen genotypes including three commercial varieties were evaluated in five locations using a randomized block design with three replications. The pooled analysis of variance carried out for the effect of environments, genotypes, and their interactions. The stability analysis was also performed using the Eberhart & Russell’s (1966) model. Further, a cluster analysis was proposed for identifying the similar and stable genotypes. The results showed that there were highly significant (p < 0.001) variations among the genotypes (G), environments (E) and GE interactions. Two genotypes LF82-2122 and LF60-3917 had higher yield and stability statistics for the two most important traits: cane and sugar yields. Thus, the genotypes can be recommended for adoption and cultivation on all soil types in Fiji.