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Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) are popular methods for analyzing multi‐environment trials (MET). The AMMI has nice graphical tools for modeling genotype‐vs.‐environment interaction (GEI) but fails in some aspects, such as accommodating a linear mixed‐effect model (LMM) structure. The BLUP provides reliable estimates but new insights to deal graphically with a random GEI structure are needed. This article compares the predictive success of BLUP and AMMI, shows how to generate biplots for modeling GEI in MET analysis using LMM, and proposes a new quantitative genotypic stability measure called WAASB, which is the Weighted Average of Absolute Scores from the singular value decomposition of the matrix of BLUPs for the GEI effects generated by an LMM. We also introduced the theoretical basis of a superiority index that allows weighting between mean performance and stability, which was conveniently called WAASBY. The BLUP was found to outperform AMMI in the analysis of four real MET trials. The application of our indexes is illustrated using an oat (Avena sativa L.) MET dataset. It was shown that reliable measures of stability using WAASB may help breeders and agronomists to make correct decisions when selecting or recommending genotypes. In addition, the simultaneous selection index, WAASBY, will be useful when the selection should consider different weights for stability and mean performance. Some advantages over existing statistics are discussed. Finally, the implementation of the procedures of this article in future studies is facilitated by an R package containing all required functions. Core Ideas The predictive accuracy of BLUP and AMMI was investigated using four real datasets. BLUP was found to outperform AMMI in all datasets analyzed. A genotypic stability index that inherits the principles of AMMI and BLUP was proposed. A superiority index that allows weighting between mean performance and stability was proposed. An R package with useful functions for MET analysis is presented.

In wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) several studies have reported genetic gain for grain yield over the years. However, studies on wheat bread-making quality are scarce. Our objective was to estimate the progress due to genetic and environmental components in wheat breadmaking quality parameters. In addition, we aimed to examine trends in historical cultivars and associate traits performance with geographical parameters. We used data from multi-environment trials (MET) represented by eight years (2005-2012) and 458 genotypes, including lines and commercial cultivars (controls). We determined the genetic progress by the contrasts between genotypes assessed in each biennium, excluding the year effect. This effect is previously estimated by existing variation among common genotypes. Genotype replacement rate was 52% and reflects the dynamism of the breeding program to develop better genotypes in terms of bread-making quality. The genetic progress estimated for gluten strength (W) was 1.30% yr-1. The progress in W demonstrated to be partly counterbalanced by the environmental effect (-0.78% yr-1). We observed disequilibrium tendency in relationship between tenacity and extensibility (P/L ratio) as a consequence of searching for lines with high W. Analysis showed that P/L ratio can be reduced in responses to the increase in latitude of the location. Environmental and genetic effects on the traits variation were discussed.

Soil organisms are vital for soil quality and can indicate environmental conditions. This study aimed to understand the diversity of soil fauna and its connection to plant residue decomposition and maize grain yield across various locations and crop seasons in a subtropical setting. We conducted experiments in Frederico Westphalen, Santa Maria, and São Vicente do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, during two crop seasons in 2020/2021, totalling six experiments. We assessed parameters such as plant residue decomposition rate, soil fauna abundance, and grain yield. Results showed significant variations in decomposition rate, fauna abundance, and diversity measures (Shannon, Margalef, and Pielou indices, plus relative frequency) across environments. Four taxonomic groups comprised over 80% of collected individuals, with Araneae and Coleoptera showing more than half of relative frequency Our analysis revealed that areas with higher grain yields had faster decomposition rates, suggesting they fostered greater organism activity and nutrient cycling, indicating their potential as soil quality indicators.

The objective of this work was to select black oat genotypes using the MGIDI for simultaneous selection, comparing it with the Smith-Hazel index. The experiment was carried out in Frederico Westphalen/RS and Pato Branco/PR, in a randomized block design, with three replications, with 9 genotypes tested. Days from emergence to flowering and maturation; cutting and plant height; number of tillers; panicle length; tiller, plant, panicle, panicle seed mass, green and dry; and seed yield were obtained. MGIDI selected the genotypes UFSMFW 2-01 and UFSMFW 2-04 for Frederico Westphalen and UFSMFW 2-07 and UFSMFW 2-04 for Pato Branco, which varied compared to the Smith-Hazel index in both environments. MGIDI was efficient in selecting the best black oat genotypes, showing desirable selection gains for most traits.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of the wheat germplasm using high-density genotyping with SNP markers. A set of 211 wheat varieties genotyped with 35,142 SNP markers were used in the experiment. Genetic distances ranged from 0.013 to 0.471, with the highest frequency of distances varying between 0.31 and 0.40. In the cluster analysis by the UPGMA method, 81% of the varieties were clustered in three groups. Genetic variability in the Brazilian wheat germplasm has remained constant for over 70 years. Mean genetic distances among the varieties developed in each decade ranged from 0.33 to 0.34. A trend of genetic distance between genotypes from different eras has been observed over time as a result of breeding. Results described in this study can help Brazilian wheat breeders to manage more adequately genetic variability in the Brazilian wheat germplasm.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of commercial products based on extracts of Ascophyllum nodosum algae in two applications in phenological stages V4 and R1 and three in V4, R1 and R4 of soybean. The experiment was installed on 11/16/2022. Products based on A. nodosum algae (Acadian®, Phosamco Bio®, Bioalgas® and Phylgreen®) were applied at a dose of 1 L ha-1, in two and three applications at phenological stages V4 and R1 and V4, R1 and R4, respectively, organized into nine treatments. In the first application (12/19/2022), the weekly collection of two plants per plot began, obtained the plant height and green mass of the plant. At harvest, plant height, number of productive nodes per plant, plant mass, number of pods per plant, grain mass per plant and number of grains per plant were obtained from 10 random plants. The two central rows of each experimental unit were harvested and threshed, and together with the grain mass of the 10 plants, the thousand grain mass and grain yield were obtained. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and grouping of means. Applications of A. nodosum extracts provide greater height and mass in plants. Acadian®, Phosamco Bio®, Bioalgas® and Phylgreene® applied to the aerial part increase grain yield. Two applications of Phosamco Bio® provided superiority for all characteristics evaluated. RESUMO: O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação foliar de produtos comerciais à base de extratos de alga Ascophyllum nodosum em duas aplicações nos estádios fenológicos V4 e R1 e três em V4, R1 e R4 da soja. O experimento foi instalado no dia 16/11/2022. Os produtos à base da alga A. nodosum (Acadian®, PhosamcoBio®, Bioalgas® e Phylgreen®) foram aplicados na dose de 1 L ha-1, em duas e três aplicações nos estádios fenológicos V4 e R1 e V4, R1 e R4, respectivamente, organizados em nove tratamentos. Na primeira aplicação (19/12/2022) foi iniciada a coleta semanal de duas plantas por parcela em que foram obtidas a altura de planta e a massa verde da planta. Na colheita, de 10 plantas ao acaso foram obtidas a altura de planta, número de nós produtivos por planta, massa da planta, número de legumes por planta, massa de grãos por planta e o número de grãos por planta. As duas linhas centrais de cada unidade experimental foram colhidas e trilhadas, e juntamente com a massa de grãos das 10 plantas foram obtidas a massa de mil grãos e a produtividade de grãos. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e agrupamento de médias. Aplicações de extratos de A. nodosum proporcionam maior altura e massa nas plantas. Acadian®, PhosamcoBio®, Bioalgas® e Phylgreene® aplicados na parte aérea incrementam a produtividade de grãos. Duas aplicações de PhosamcoBio®, proporcionaram superioridade para todas as características avaliadas.

Wheat plays an important role in global agriculture, being one of the most widely cultivated cereals. Wheat cultivation in each region depends on the stability of grain yield in the given environment. The objective of this study was to identify the most productive and stable genotypes over three years of cultivation in the municipality of Frederico Westphalen, using GGE Biplot analysis. Twelve wheat genotypes were cultivated in a randomized complete block design, with three replicates over three years from 2019 to 2021. The experimental units consisted of six 4-meter rows, spaced 0.17 m apart. Grain yield was measured 3 meters from the four central rows. The data obtained was subjected to analysis of variance, which verified interactions between genotypes and years, and then performed GGE Biplot analysis. The grain yield of the wheat genotypes was influenced by the environmental conditions during the three years of cultivation. The genotypes UFSMFW 1-07 and USFMFW 1-04 were more productive in specific years, with the best performance for grain yield and stability being that of the genotype UFSMFW 1-08.

Fungal diseases in Brazilian regions with tropical and subtropical climates reduce the production potential of corn crops. The use of fungicides is one of the strategies to maintain productivity. This study evaluated the agronomic performance and grain quality of corn hybrids associated with the preventive use of fungicides in subtropical environments. Six experiments were conducted in Santa Maria-RS, São Vicente do Sul-RS, and FredericoWestphalen-RS during two sowing seasons. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement, in which the main plot consisted of two levels of the fungicide factor (with and without) and the sub-plot consisted of six levels of corn hybrids (AG9025, AS1730, P3016, MG300, DKB230, and FEROZ). A total of 216 experimental plots were evaluated for grain productivity, and eight plants per plot were evaluated for other traits, totaling 1,728 evaluated plants. Therefore, environmental conditions influence the interaction between the factors of fungicide use and hybrid cultivar positioning, with no significant interaction in years with a water deficit. Early sowings in subtropical environments indicate better agronomic performance and a lower percentage of moldy grains regardless of the cultivation location, contributing to grain quality. RESUMO: No Brasil, em regiões de clima tropical e subtropical, as doenças fúngicas reduzem o potencial produtivo da cultura do milho. Uma das estratégias utilizadas para manutenção do potencial produtivo é o uso de fungicidas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho agronômico e qualidade de grãos de hibridos de milho, associado ao uso preventivo de fungicida em ambientes subtropicais. Foram conduzidos seis experimentos, em Santa Maria - RS, São Vicente do Sul - RS e Frederico Westphalen - RS em duas épocas de semeadura. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com parcelas subdivididas, onde a parcela principal foi formada pelos dois níveis do fator fungicida (com e sem) e a subparcela pelos seis níveis do fator híbridos de milho (AG9025, AS1730, P3016, MG300, DKB230 e FEROZ). Foram avaliados 216 parcelas experimentais para a variável produtividade de grãos e oito plantas por parcela para os demais caracteres, totalizando 1.728 plantas avaliadas. Portanto, as condições ambientais interferem na interação entre os fatores uso de fungicidas e posicionamento de cultivares híbridas, não ocorrendo interação significativa entre os fatores em ano com a presença de déficit hídrico. Independentemente do local de cultivo, semeaduras precoces em ambiente subtropical, indicam melhor desempenho agronômico e menor percentual de grãos deteriorados contribuindo com a qualidade dos grãos.

This research evaluated the agronomic performance through mixed models, and determined the genetic divergence between black oat genotypes. The experiment was carried out at Federal University of Santa Maria, Frederico Westphalen/RS. Fourteen black oat genotypes were evaluated, being 11 lines developed by Breeding Program of University, and three commercial cultivars (IAPAR 61, UPFA 21 - Moreninha and, IPR Cabocla). We evaluated quantitative traits associated to plant height, cycle, dry mass yield and seeds yield; and 19 qualitative traits, being these morphological descriptors. The results showed that lines UFSMFW 2-05 and UFSMFW 2-07 stand out with characteristics such as early cycle, higher dry mass and grain yield. Divergence analysis revealed the formation of three distinct groups, indicating the presence of variability. These results suggested the potential for the development of new cultivars of black oat, presenting early cycle and good grain yield. RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho agronômico por meio de modelos mistos e determinar a divergência genética entre genótipos de aveia preta. O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, campus de Frederico Westphalen/RS. Catorze genótipos de aveia preta foram avaliados, sendo 11 linhagens desenvolvidas pelo Programa de Melhoramento da Universidade e três cultivares comercias (IAPAR 61, UPFA 21 - Moreninha e IPR Cabocla). Foram avaliadas características agronômicas quantitativas relacionadas ao porte, ciclo e produtividade de massa seca e de sementes; e 19 características qualitativas, sendo estes descritores morfológicos. Os resultados mostraram que as linhagens UFSMFW 2-05 e UFSMFW 2-07 se destacam com características como ciclo precoce, elevada produtividade de massa seca e de sementes. A análise de divergência revelou a formação de três grupos distintos, indicando presença de variabilidade. Os resultados demonstram o potencial de desenvolvimento de novas cultivares de aveia preta, apresentando precocidade e boa produtividade de sementes.

ABSTRACT The use of corn hybrids adapted to the soil and climate conditions of the cultivation region under adequate optimum plant density is a determining factor for the maximization of grain yield. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the productivity of corn hybrids under two sowing densities during the 2020/21 crop season in the medium-high Uruguay region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The corn hybrids AS1555 PRO3, B2401 PWU, B2418 VYHR, B2612 PWU, BG7061 YHR, DKB235 PRO3, NS45 VIP3, NS73 VIP3, NS80 VIP3, P2501, P3016 VYHR, P3565 PWU and 30F53 VYHR were submitted to densities of 66,667 and 88,889 plants ha-1, in a randomized block design with ten replications. Corn hybrids showed superior grain yield when subjected to the density of 88,889 plants ha-1 in the medium-high Uruguay region of Rio Grande do Sul, surpassing in most cases the state and national average yield of harvest 2020/21. Most of the corn hybrids used present potential for cultivation at higher sowing density than their respective recommendations. Considering the superior productivity of hybrids NS80 VIP3, B2401 PWU and NS73 VIP3, their cultivation under conditions similar to those of the study is recommended.