Adaptive potential of grain amaranth by productivity elements in the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31210/spi2026.29.01.11Keywords:
adaptive potential, grain amaranth, productivity elements, stability, homeostaticity, breeding value, agronomic stability, Eastern Forest-Steppe of UkraineAbstract
The article presents the results of the evaluation of the adaptive potential of 23 collection samples of grain species of the genus Amaranthus (A. cruentus – 11 samples, A. hypochondriacus – 8, A. caudatus – 1, A. hybridus – 3) based on the main productivity elements under the conditions of the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The research was conducted during 2012–2014 and 2024–2025 at the experimental field of the State Biotechnological University under variable weather conditions, including both drought and high-temperature periods (2012, 2024) and relatively favourable years (2013–2014, 2025). The evaluation of adaptive potential was carried out using three key indicators: panicle length, panicle productivity, and 1000-seed weight, applying the following parameters: stability (S.F.), homeostaticity (Hom), breeding value (Sc), and agronomic stability (As). The average coefficient of variation was 12.7 % for panicle length, 24.2 % for panicle productivity, and 11.6 % for 1000-seed weight. Panicle length varied from 29.0 cm (K-253) to 47.0 cm (K-160), panicle productivity – from 4.6 g (Вр 721) to 14.5 g (K-219), and 1000-seed weight – from 479 mg (K-251) to 701 mg (Вр 719). For all three traits studied, the agronomic stability coefficient (As) exceeded 70 % in the majority of samples, reaching 90–99 % in the best genotypes. The analysis of homeostaticity (Hom) and breeding value (Sc) indicators allowed the identification of the most promising samples. For 1000-seed weight, the standout samples were Вр 719 (701 mg), Вр 625, K-219, and K-160, which were characterized by the highest values of Hom and Sc. The sample K-219 (A. hypochondriacus) demonstrated the maximum panicle productivity (14.5 g) and high adaptive parameters, while K-160 (A. caudatus) showed the maximum panicle length (47.0 cm) and stability of trait expression. Cluster analysis confirmed a clear differentiation of the studied samples according to the complex of productivity and adaptive indicators, revealing groups of genotypes with similar productivity traits. The selected samples (Вр 719, Вр 625, K-219, K-160) represent particularly valuable source material for future breeding programs. They combine a high level of productivity with excellent stability and ecological plasticity, making them promising for the development of high-yielding, stress-resistant varieties of grain amaranth adapted to the climatic conditions of the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.
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