Genetic yield gains in CIMMYT’s international elite Spring Wheat yield trials by modeling the Genotype X environment interaction

Abstract

We calculated the annual genetic gains for grain yield (GY) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) achieved over 8 yr of international Elite Spring Wheat Yield Trials (ESWYT), from 2006–2007 (27th ESWYT) to 2014–2015 (34th ESWYT). In total, 426 locations were classified within three main megaenvironments (MEs): ME1 (optimally irrigated environments), ME4 (drought-stressed environments), and ME5 (heat-stressed environments). By fitting a factor analytical structure for modeling the genotype × environment (G × E) interaction, we measured GY gains relative to the widely grown cultivar Attila (GYA) and to the local checks (GYLC). Genetic gains for GYA and GYLC across locations were 1.67 and 0.53% (90.1 and 28.7 kg ha−1 yr−1), respectively. In ME1, genetic gains were 1.63 and 0.72% (102.7 and 46.65 kg ha−1 yr−1) for GYA and GYLC, respectively. In ME4, genetic gains were 2.7 and 0.41% (88 and 15.45 kg ha−1 yr−1) for GYA and GYLC, respectively. In ME5, genetic gains were 0.31 and 1.0% (11.28 and 36.6 kg ha−1 yr−1) for GYA and GYLC, respectively. The high GYA in ME1 and ME4 can be partially attributed to yellow rust races that affect Attila. When G × E interactions were not modeled, genetic gains were lower. Analyses showed that CIMMYT’s location at Ciudad Obregon, Mexico, is highly correlated with locations in other countries in ME1. Lines that were top performers in more than one ME and more than one country were identified. CIMMYT’s breeding program continues to deliver improved and widely adapted germplasm for target environments.