Yield performance and adaptation of some Australian-grown rice varieties through multivariate analysis

Abstract

Rice breeders are involved in developing new varieties for a diverse range of production environments to increase average yields. Interpretation of performance of several varieties evaluated in a broad range of environments is usually affected by variety × environment interactions. Application of multivariate analyses, especially multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods in variety × environment interaction studies can benefit interpretation of yield performance and adaptation of varieties in response to different environments. The case study discussed in this paper highlights the significant advantages of using MCDM methods to overcome constraints imposed by having to investigate a large number of variables inherent in such analysis.

The grain yield of 13 rice varieties with varying characteristics, grown in 4 different regions in southern New South Wales (NSW), Australia, during the 2000–06 growing seasons was analysed using classification techniques and preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE) analysis. Significant variety × environment interaction was found to influence the yield performance of individual varieties across a range of environmental conditions. Classification of environments and geometrical analysis for interactive aid (GAIA) plot of PROMETHEE analysis identified the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) and Coleambally Irrigation Area (CIA) as higher yielding regions compared with the Eastern Murray Valley (EMV) and Western Murray Valley (WMV). Turbid water and cold weather conditions are suggested to explain the lower yield obtained in the WMV environment.