Genotype × year interaction on rye productivity parameters cultivated on sandy chernozem soil

Abstract

Rye is a dual-purpose crop, for nutrition but also for bioenergy. The selection of rye is aimed at its improvement as a plant for human and animal consumption, but also it is interesting for bioenergy production as it combines high biomass production with low environmental impact. There is a growing demand for sustainable sources of biomass worldwide. Directions for achieving rye selection for energy purposes include selection to increase biomass yield and corresponding physiological properties. During three years (2019-2021), four rye genotypes were examined. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of genotype (G), year (Y) and their interaction (G?Y) on rye productivity parameters: plant height (PH), spike length (SL), 1000-grain weight (TGW), hectoliter mass (HM), green biomass yield (GBY), biogas yield (BGY) as well as the possibility of using rye as an alternative fuel. Rye is an excellent raw material for the production of healthy food, but also for the production of biofuels. The study discussed the potential use of four high yielding genotypes for biofuel production. Genotype G1 (25.29 t ha-1) had a statistically significantly higher average green biomass yield compared to genotypes G2, G3 and G4 (22.98 t ha-1, 23.56 t ha-1 and 23.76 t ha-1). Significant G?Y interactions demonstrate differences between rye genotypes in response to environmental conditions. Plant height was directly proportional to biomass yield. As one of the targets in breeding programs, to develop taller cultivars as biofuel feedstock. Screening and selection of appropriate rye varieties for each region is critical for optimum results.