Assessment of genotype x environment interactions for yield and fiber quality in cotton performance trials

Plant breeding programs involving a wide range of crop plants routinely practice selection (directly or indirectly) for genotypes that display stability for a given trait or set of traits across testing environments through the genotype evaluation process. Genotype stability for trait performance is a direct measure of the presence and effect of genotype x environment interactions, which result from the differential performance of a genotype or cultivar across environments. The genotype evaluation process also requires selection of the proper field trial locations that best represent the target environments the breeding program is directed toward. In this study, we assessed the extent to which genotype x environment interactions affected agronomic performance (lint yield, gin turnout) and fiber quality (fiber length, fiber strength, uniformity index, micronaire, fiber elongation) in a series of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) performance trials in 12 location-year environments in South Carolina. Genotype x environment interactions affecting lint yield were larger in higher yielding environments, while interactions for fiber strength were greater for genotypes with lower mean fiber strength values. Two regions within the South Carolina cotton production areas were identified as proper testing locations for lint yield performance, while testing for fiber strength can be accomplished in any location within the statewide cotton production areas.