What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess genotype × environment interaction and multi-trait performance of sugar beet hybrids in variable conditions.

June 4, 2026Open Access

Comprehensive assessment of genotype–environment interaction and trait associations in sugar beet hybrids under short-rotation cropping systems of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Key Points

To assess genotype × environment interaction and multi-trait performance of sugar beet hybrids in variable conditions.
Randomized complete block design utilized across four environments (two locations over two years).
Combined ANOVA, AMMI modeling, and BLUP-based stability metrics were employed for analysis.
Eight commercial sugar beet hybrids were evaluated for root yield, sugar content, and technological indices.
Environmental effects primarily influenced root yield, sugar content, and sugar production, while genotype and interaction were significant.
Hybrids BTS 9695, Strube Hubble, and KWS Ladislava demonstrated high productivity with low instability, indicating broad adaptation.
GYT analysis revealed trade-offs between yield and technological quality, with BTS 9695 and Strube Hubble excelling in productivity and quality.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate genotype × environment (G×E) interaction, phenotypic stability, and multi-trait performance of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) hybrids under short-rotation cropping systems of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Eight commercial hybrids were tested across four environments (two locations over two years) using a randomized complete block design. Root yield (RY), sugar content (SC), sugar production (SP), impurity-related traits, and derived technological indices were analyzed using combined ANOVA, AMMI modeling, and BLUP-based stability metrics. Environmental effects were the dominant source of variation for RY, SC, and SP, while genotype and G×E interactions were smaller but statistically significant, confirming differential hybrid responses to contrasting environments. Stability was assessed using AMMI stability value (ASV), weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB), and the joint yield-stability index (WAASBY). BTS 9695, Strube Hubble, and KWS Ladislava consistently combined high mean productivity with low instability, indicating broad adaptation. Multi-trait evaluation using genotype by yield × trait (GYT) analysis revealed clear trade-offs between yield and technological quality. Hybrids BTS 9695 and Strube Hubble showed superior combinations for RY×SC and RY × low impurities, indicating high sugar productivity without major quality penalties. Overall, the integrated AMMI-WAASB/WAASBY–GYT framework proved effective for identifying sugar beet hybrids that combine high productivity, stability, and technological suitability under variable agroecological conditions, providing a robust basis for breeding and production recommendations.

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