ANALYSIS OF GENOTYPE-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS

The analysis of genotype-environment interactions is an important consideration in a plant-breeding programme, as breeders need lo know whether genotypes must be bred for specific adaptation to certain environments. Plant breeders are, however, faced with a multitude of analyses and the difficult decision of choosing the technique that is most appropriate to their requirements. This review provides an outline of the four main methods: the analysis of components of variance, stability analysis, multivariate methods and qualitative analysis techniques. It is suggested thar stability analyses be used to determine the interaction properties of the genotypes, followed by the use of qualitative analysis methods to describe the nature and cause of the interactions.