Envirotyping Facilitates Understanding of Genotype x Environment Interactions and Highlights the Potential of Stay-green Traits in Wheat

Abstract

Better understanding genotype by environment interaction (GxE) can help breeding for better adapted varieties. Envirotyping for environmental water status was applied to assist interpretation of GxE interactions for wheat yield in multi-environment trials conducted in drought-prone Australian environments. Genotypes from a multi-reference parent nested association mapping (MR-NAM) population were tested in 10 trials across the Australian wheatbelt. Genotype yield and phenology were measured in all trials, while traits associated with the stay-green phenotype were assessed for a subset of 5 trials. Envirotyping was conducted by characterizing water stress experienced by genotypes at each trial using crop modelling. Envirotyping facilitated the understanding of GxE interactions by explaining 75, 67, and 66% of the genotypic variance for yield in severe water-limited (ET3), mild terminal water-stress (ET2), and water-sufficient (ET1) environments, respectively. Yield and stay-green were negatively correlated with flowering time in most trials. However, when focusing on genotypes flowering at similar times within a trial, no significant correlation was found between yield and flowering. Importantly stay-green traits remained significantly correlated with yield. Stay-green traits such as delayed onset of senescence and slower senescence rate benefited yield by 0.2 to 1.1 t ha-1 across environments, highlighting the breeding potential for stay-green traits in both water-sufficient and water-limited environments. Hence, sustaining green leaf area during grain filling helped to enhance yield. Envirotyping to better understand GxE interactions for yield, coupled with screening for traits exhibiting superior adaptive mechanisms, are powerful assets in assisting plant breeders to select more effectively drought adapted genotypes. HighlightsGenotype x environment interaction for yield could be reduced with envirotyping. Envirotyping enabled a 75% gain in genotypic variance in severe drought conditions. Envirotyping clarified breeding potential of stay-green traits across environments. Stay-green has potential to enhance wheat yield across diverse environments.