Multifactor evaluation of productivity and ecological stability of winter wheat agrocenoses
Abstract
The stability of winter wheat yield formation under increasing climatic and agroecological contrast depends not only on the hereditary potential of a variety, but also on the nature of its response to the environment. Therefore, the evaluation of genotype × environment interaction is an essential component of modern varietal testing. The present study was based on the results of a multi - environment trial of 15 winter wheat varieties and breeding lines conducted in 17 regions of Ukraine during 2023–2025. The objective of the research was to identify genotypes combining high yield, ecological stability , and adaptive suitability for specific growing zones. According to the AMMI analysis, the first interaction component, IPCA1, explained 39.77% of the inte r action, while the second, IPCA2, accounted for 25.16%, giving a combined contribution of 64.93%. The highest mean yields were produced by MIP Vidznaka, Bila, FORSAIT , and MIP Darunok. The lowest ASV value was recorded for Biskvit; howe v er, the most favorable combination of productivity and stability according to the YSI index was shown by MIP Darunok. The variety Bila was also identified as highly productive and sufficiently stable, whereas MIP Vidznaka and FORSAIT should be regarded as genotypes with high potential but a pronounced specific response. Analysis of the TOP-3 genotypes across enviro n ments revealed considerable heterogeneity among zones: t he Steppe required the most localized recommendations, the Forest-Steppe combined a broad spectrum of leading genotypes, and in Polissia the role of FORSAIT, Foks, Bila , and MIP Darunok became more pronounced. The obtained results confirm that the final assessment of the potential use of a given form should be based on the combined evaluation of productivity, stability , and specific adaptation. The identification of general patterns and principles for the use of individual genotypes appears to be feasible primarily for the Polissia zone, whereas the other two ecolo g ical and geographical zones demonstrate excessively strong differentiation depending on the specific location, making any broad generalizations or model construction unlikely. It is also advisable to substantially increase the number of testing locations in the Steppe zone of Ukraine, while for Polissia the current number of sites for this crop may even be excessive.References
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