Multi-Environment Trials and Stability Analysis for Yield-Related Traits of Commercial Rice Cultivars

Multi-environment trials (METs) are essential in plant breeding programs to evaluate crop productivity and adaptability diverse environments. In this study, we demonstrated the practical use of METs grain yield yield-related traits using 276 Korean rice cultivars, divided into three maturity groups (81 early-, 90 medium-, 105 medium–late-maturing cultivars) grown regions (Jeonju, Suwon, Miryang) two planting seasons (early regular planting) for years. Due narrow genetic variability commercial which cultivated relatively similar environmental conditions, genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) effects were not statistically significant. However, genotype environment evaluation GGE biplot analysis exhibited distinct patterns mega-environment formation, winning genotypes, ranking discriminating power, representativeness according differences regions. Moreover, simultaneous selection stable high-performance genotypes a weighted average absolute scores from singular-value decomposition matrix BLUPs (WAASB) multi-trait stability index (MTSI) revealed six recommended each early-maturing (Manho, Namil, Unkwang, Odae 1ho, Sinunbong Jonong) medium-maturing (Sobi, Cheongdam, Shinbaeg, Boramchal, Mimyeon, Saemimyeon) four cultivars (Hanmauem, Dami, Baegseolchal, Hangangchalbyeo). The trait can be used as parents develop regional specialty by fine-tuning favorable traits, utilized elite climate-resilient that aid breeders improving potential across