Interpretation of genotype-environment-sowing date/plant density interaction in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in early mature regions of China

Abstract

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important crop for food security in semiarid and arid regions due to its high tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses and its good performance in marginal lands with relatively low fertility. To deeply understand the interrelationship among sorghum genotype, environment, sowing dates, and densities in the spring sowing early maturing (SSEM) areas of China, and to provide a basis for specifying scientific and reasonable cultural practices, a two-year field experiment was conducted with six popular varieties at six locations. Combined ANOVA showed that the yield difference between years was significant (P<0.05); the yield differences among locations, varieties, sowing dates, and densities were all highly significant (P<0.01). The variety effect was mainly influenced by location, year, sowing dates and their interactions. The sowing effect was mainly influenced by the location, year, variety and their interactions The plant density effect was significantly influenced by location and location-year interaction. Of the contributions of various test factors to yield variance, the location was the largest one (38.18%), followed by variety (12.31%), sowing date (1.53%), density (0.54%), and year (0.09%), with all these single factors accounting for 52.65%. The total contribution of all two-factor interactions accounted for 14.24%, among which the greatest contributor was location-hybrid interaction (8.07%). The total contribution of all three-factor interactions accounted for 14.58%, of which year-location-hybrid interaction was the largest contributor (9.02%). Sowing dates significantly affected model of sorghum growth and development, especially during the late period. The key climatic factors affecting yield were different among the six locations. Weather factors during the grain filling stages contributed much more than those during the early stage to grain yield. Mid-maturing varieties are recommended other than early maturing varieties for the SSEM areas even when late sowing occurs. Sowing as early as possible is recommended for areas with very short frost-free period (Harbin, Tongliao, and Datong). Proper delayed sowing is recommended for areas with a relative long frost-free period (Gongzhuling, Baicheng and Zhangjiakou). This research will provide a conducive reference for sorghum production in similar areas.

Promoting the elemental profile of sorghum grain: Driving factors affecting nutritional properties under nitrogen fertilizer conditions

“…According to the investigation, the Year and Treatment factors were among the autonomous factors in the research inquiry. The analysis found that the (Year × Treatment) interaction did not significantly impact the N g/kg −1 content ( Table 3 ), and the findings lined up the interaction of Year × Treatment with the other element contents as shown in Table 4 [ 37 , 38 ]. The examined elements did not show a significance value of P > 0.05 except for Ni mg/kg −1 , which showed a significance value of P < 0.05; additional scrutiny is required to analyse this outcome.…”

Interaction of genotype-ecological type-plant spacing configuration in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in China

“…In general, the yield of late-maturing varieties is higher than that of early-maturing varieties. However, early-maturing varieties are selected to ensure normal maturity of sorghum due to the limitation of accumulated heat units, especially in the spring-sown early-maturing zone ( Gao et al., 2022 ). As mentioned in the introduction, most sorghum is planted in arid and semi-arid regions.…”

Assessment of Durum Wheat Cultivars’ Adaptability to Mediterranean Environments Using G × E Interaction Analysis

“…The GGE biplot model comprehensively considers both genotypic (G) and genotype-environment (GE) interactions, presenting a graphical representation that serves as a valuable methodology for assessing the adaptability and stability of genotypes across diverse environments. This approach offers a visual and integrated evaluation of performance and stability [7,20,24,52].…”

“…Similarly, the agronomical practices adopted affect productivity and the efficient use of resources, biomass accumulation, and, eventually, grain yield. As a result, agricultural systems where different farming practices are applied can represent different environments [24]. Nitrogen fertilization is another management practice crucial for grain yield and quality.…”