Evaluation of “Genotype x Environment” Interaction for Performance in the Potential Energy Plant Xanthoceras sorbifolium Under Multi-Environment

Abstract

Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge has attracted the attention of the world because of its potential to produce biodiesel. We tested the traits of the seedlings of X. sorbifolium from 26 natural provenances cultivated in three locations of Zhangwu (ZW), Jingbian (JB) and Anqiu (AQ), and analyzed the genotype x environment interaction by BLUP-GGE method. The results showed that the genotype effect, environmental main effect and genotype-environment interaction effect have significant influence on X. sorbifolium growth in the early growth stage, and the variation of ground diameter is greater than that of tree height. The genotypes G25 with the highest yield at the early growth stage, G15 with the highest stable yield, and G9, G12 and G10 with good yield and stable yield were selected. Among them, G12 is a specific high quality genotype for ZW, G10 has the best tree height in JB and AQ, and G9 has the best ground diameter in AQ. This information can evaluate each experimental site and high-quality genotypes, and provide scientific guidance and basis for subsequent biodiesel production of X. sorbifolium.