Determining the potential and adaptability of multi-cut forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) genotypes through AMMI, genotype by environment interaction and GGE biplot analysis

Abstract

Forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a vital crop in the global fodder supply chain, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, due to its high biomass yield, efficient water utilization and adaptability to diverse climates. The challenge in optimizing forage sorghum productivity lies in the intricate interaction between genotype and environment (G × E interactions). Seventeen multi-cut forage sorghum genotypes were evaluated under field conditions for their green fodder yield (GFY) and dry fodder yield (DFY) during the kharif season (Wet season) at three locations, namely, Pantnagar, Ludhiana and Hisar employing biplot models such as genotype + genotype × environment (GGE), and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI). Statistical analysis revealed significant effects of genotype, environment, and their interactions on the target traits, with AMMI and GGE biplot models capturing over 87.9% of the total variance, thus demonstrating their applicability. The environment accounted for the majority of the variability in GFY and DFY, highlighting its influence on sorghum production. The genotypes CSH 43MF and SPH 2018 emerged as superior hybrids across all environments, while CSV 33MF (variety), SPH 2024 and SPH 2043 showed specific adaptability to the Pantnagar, Ludhiana and Hisar environments, respectively. The findings also underscore the potential of multicut forage sorghum varieties/hybrids, CSH 43MF and SPH 2018, for enhancing green and dry fodder production under three different mega-environments in northern India, thereby contributing to the region’s agricultural sustainability and fodder security.