The estimation of environmental stability and adaptability of the grain sorghum varieties in the Republic of Bashkortostan

Abstract

The current paper has presented the study of productivity, environmental stability and adaptability of 11 Russian grain sorghum varieties of various groups of ripeness in the conditions of the Ural steppe of the Republic of Bashkortostan, conducted in 2015–2019. The purpose of the study was to estimate the grain sorghum varieties according to the parameters of environmental adaptability and stability of productivity in changing environmental conditions. The weather conditions during the years of study were different in temperature and water supply, which made it possible to evaluate the lines in the contrasting cultivation conditions. The index of environmental conditions for grain yield of grain sorghum in 2015 was 0.9, in 2016 it was 1.3, in 2017 it was -1.0, in 2019 it was -1.2. The data completely characterizes the weather conditions of the years of study and their effect on the growth and development of plants. Environmental adaptability (bi) and stability (Ϭ2d) were calculated according to the methods of S.A. Eberchart and W. A. Rassel (1966) interpreted by V. A. Zykin, stress resistance (Ymin–Ymax) was estimated according to the equation of A. A. Rossille, J. Hamblin interpreted by A. A. Goncharenko, productivity range (d) was evaluated according to V. A. Zykin. The varieties ‘Kamelik’, ‘Ogonyok’, ‘Orlovskoe’ turned out to be adaptable (bi was close to 1); the varieties ‘Slavyanka’, ‘Zernyshko’ and ‘Ros’ were responsive to the improvement of growing conditions (bi > 1). Based on a comprehensive estimation of the value of environmental adaptability and stability, the varieties ‘Premiera’, ‘Belochka’, ‘Ogonyok’, ‘Orlovskoe’ were identified as the best ones. These varieties are highly intensive, responsive to the improvement of growing conditions and characterized with high productivity. The paper has collected and presented the material of the long-term study of the environmental adaptability and stability of the grain sorghum productivity in the conditions of the Ural steppe of the Republic of Bashkortostan.