GGE biplot analysis of vegetable type soybean genotypes under multi-environmental conditions in India

Aim: To understand the magnitude and pattern of genotype-environment interaction in vegetable type soybeans and to identify mega environment(s) and best performing genotype(s) across environments. Methodology: Five vegetable type soybean genotypes were evaluated across five geographical locations viz., Indore, Parbhani, Adilabad, Bengaluru and Pune, during rainy season of 2018. Genotypes were grown in a plot size of 1.35 x 3 m2 in three replications in randomized block design. Data on green pod yield, green seed test weight, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and plant height were recorded using standard methods. GGE biplot analysis was performed using software “GGE Biplot version 7.0”. Results: In the present investigation, except in case of green seed test weight, in remaining four traits, major portion of variation was contributed by location (52.95-79.4%) followed by genotype (17.7-42.7%) and genotype x location interaction (2.21-4.29%). Through GGE biplot analysis, Bengaluru was found to be near ideal environment and genotypes Karune and Harasoya were found to be the best performers across the locations with respect to green pod yield. Interpretation: Bengaluru was found to be near ideal environment for vegetable type soybean evaluation. Selection for genotypes having wider adaptability can be conducted at this location. Genotypes Karune and Harasoya were found to be the best performers with respect to green pod yield. These two genotypes can be included as parents for breeding as vegetable type soybean. Key words: GEE biplot, Multienvironmental analyses, Soybean genotypes

Sowing Green Seed Without Stratification Does Not Shorten Juvenility or Increase Plant Size in Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

Common lilac is an important flowering shrub that accounts for ≈$20 million of sales in the U.S. nursery industry. Cultivar improvement in common lilac has been ongoing for centuries, yet little research has focused on shortening the multiple-year juvenility period for lilacs and the subsequent time required between breeding cycles. The practice of direct-sowing of immature “green” seed has been shown to reduce juvenility in some woody plants, but it has not been reported for common lilac. This study investigated the effects of seed maturity [weeks after pollination (WAP)], pregermination seed treatment (direct-sown vs. cold-stratified), and postgermination seedling chilling on the germination percentage, subsequent plant growth, and time to flower on lilac seedlings. All seedlings were derived from the female parent ‘Ludwig Spaeth’ and the male parent ‘Angel White’. Seeds harvested at 15 and 20 WAP resulted in 58% (sd ± 9.9%) and 80% (sd ± 9.0%) germination, respectively, which were similar to that of dry seed collected at 20 WAP with stratification (62% ± 4.2%). Seedlings from the green seed collected at 15 and 20 WAP were also approximately three-times taller than those of dry seed groups DS1, DS2, and DS3 after the first growing season. Over the next two growing seasons, there were no differences in seedling height across all treatments. Flowering occurred at the beginning of the fourth season and without differences among treatments. These results indicate that the collection and direct sowing of immature, green seed can be used to successfully grow lilac seedlings, but that they do not reduce the juvenility period. However, this method can provide more vegetative growth in year one to observe early vegetative traits such as leaf color, and it can provide more material for DNA extraction to support molecular research.