Genotype × environment interaction patterns of dry matter yield in meadow brome, orchardgrass, tall fescue, and timothy evaluated at harsh winter sites

Background

Genotype × environment interaction (GEI) slows genetic gains and complicates selection decisions in plant breeding programs. Forage breeding program seed sales often encompass large geographic regions to which the cultivars may not be adapted. An understanding of the extent of GEI in perennial, cool-season forage grasses will facilitate improved selection decisions and end-use in areas with harsh winters.

Methods

We evaluated the dry matter yield of nine meadow brome (Bromus biebersteinii Roemer & J. A. Schultes), nine orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), seven tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.), and 10 timothy (Phleum pratense L.) cultivars or breeding populations at seven high latitude and/or elevation locations in Canada and the United States from 2019 to 2021.

Results

For each of the species, we found significant differences among the genotypes for dry matter yield across environments and found significant levels of GEI. Using site regression analysis and GGE biplot visualizations, we then characterized the extent of the interactions in each species. Except for tall fescue, there was little evidence for the broad adaptation of genotypes across locations.

Conclusions

This research adds further evidence to the limitations of perennial, forage breeding programs to develop widely adapted cultivars and the need to maintain regional breeding efforts.