Using a crop model to assess genetic-environment interactions in multi-environment trials

摘要

Crop modelling can help at the different steps of genotype design and assessment: from the breeding process, by designing ideotypes in relation to target environments, to the cropping process, by evaluating released cultivars in a wider range of environments.We developed a model for the sunflower crop where complex traits (yield and oil content) are sensitive to the main environmental stresses and to genotype-specific traits. The model parameters representing the genetic variability were measured as phenotypic traits. As the model was developed in coordination with R&D teams, our aim was to retain a low number of genotypic parameters to allow rapid parametrisation of new cultivars released from the breeding process. This study focuses on the simulation of phenotypic traits impact on yield. Simulation results were analysed from two viewpoints: (i) identifying favourable links between phenotypic trait combinations ("virtual genotypes") and target environments and (ii) assessing the environmental variabilityin a single trait impact on yield.