Genotype by environment interaction and clonal recommendation of eucalypts under varying altitudes
Marcio de Souza Reis, Leonardo Oliveira Silva da Costa, Joao Edésio de Sousa, Elizabete Keiko Takahashi and Evandro Novaes
Abstract: The genotype × environment (G × E) interaction is a prevalent phenomenon that can challenge breeding and cultivar recommendation but offers opportunities for gains when the best genotypes are identified and recommended for each site. In this study, conducted in eastern Minas Gerais, Brazil, 46 eucalypt hybrid clones had their wood volume evaluated at contrasting altitudes. The experiments were planted at four different locations, two at high altitudes (>1000 m asl) and two at low altitudes (<350 m asl), with a complete randomized block design. The high-altitude regions showed superior productivity and a prevalent manifestation of simple G × E interactions, allowing their grouping in a mega environment. Conversely, within the low-altitude environments, we observed a moderate level of G × E interaction, with complex interactions prevailing. Overall, our results highlight that altitude is a major driver of G×E interaction, affecting the selection and recommendation of eucalypt clones. Get the article here. (PDF)