Selection of Superior sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) genotypes using Selection Indexes of multi-trai under rhizomania-contaminated areas

Abstract In this study, 13 modern genotypes were examined based on the list provided by the Iraniai Seed Registration and Certification Institute. Genotypes grown in a randomized complete block design, with four replications in Iran's Karaj, Mashhad, Miandoab, Zarghan, and Hamedan stations in the 2022 and 2023 crop seasons. The mean genotype comparison results revealed that the F-21375 hybrid had the highest root yield (RY), while the F-21376 and F-21374 genotypes had the highest sugar content (SC), white sugar content (WSC), and white sugar yield (WSY). The results of AMMI analysis revealed that RY, SC, WSC, and WSY were significantly influenced by genotype (G), environment (E), and the multiplicative effect of G×E. Based on the WAASB and WAASBY indexes, F-21376, F-21410, F-21411, and F-21092 in terms of RY, F-21375, F-21370, and F-20940 in terms of SC and WSC, and F-21375, F-21376, and F-21092 in terms of WSY were stable with favorable quantitative and qualitative characteristics. The predicted mean for RY, SC, WSC, and WSY in F -21375 and F-21092 was higher than the total mean. The biplot analysis showed that the first two components contributed 65.1%, 80.80%, 88.07%, and 69.7% of GEI variance of RY, SC, WSC, and WSY, respectively. In this experiment, F-21092 and F-21376 were selected as stable genotypes for all quantitative and qualitative characteristics; in addition, F-21375, F-21092, and F-21411 were recognized as the most ideal among the studied genotypes. Finally, the F-21092 genotype can be introduced as a variety with high performance and stability to areas with rhizomania contamination.