International Journal of Plant Breeding and Crop Science IJPBCS

Vol. 5(1), pp. 308-323, January, 2018. © www.premierpublishers.org. ISSN: XXXX-XXXX

Research Article

Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for

Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua
New Guinea
1Boney Wera*, 2Myla Deros, 3Gena Kawale, 4Akkinapally Ramakrishna, 5Jonah Anton, 6Kud
Sitango and 7Elick Guaf
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
National Agriculture Research Institute, Head Office, P.O. Box 4415, LAE, Morobe, Papua New Guinea

The current study was aimed to understand the nature and magnitude of genotype x environment
interaction (GEI) while determining yield performances and stability of 9 sweetpotato genotypes.
Evaluations were done in three locations in Papua New Guinea over two seasons from 2016-2017
via GxE multi-location trials. Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis
revealed significant (P< 0.05) differences among the total treatment interaction (G, E and GEI)
while GEI alone was non-significant for tuber yields. Combined analysis showed significant
environmental effect on tuber yields, tuber number and gall mite while harvest index, tuber dry
matter and scab disease were influenced by genotype main effect. Tuber yields varied from 5.0-
13.5, 8.5-18.0 and 2.6-4.7 t/ha for marketable, total and dry tuber yield respectively. New genotypes
generally outperformed local varieties in terms of yield and stability. Genotypes G5, G3 and G1
gave promising yield and stability across environments. GGE biplot identified two mega-
environments and also tagged G6 as winning genotypes at Aiyamontena and Tambul while G2,
G3 and G4 are ideal for Bubia. This indicates that analysis of GxE trials using AMMI/GGE model
and auxiliary parameters is important to determine adaptability/stability to identify superior
genotypes. Selected genotypes can be recommended for cultivation in specific test locations and
similar environments. Tambul was considered as the most favourable environment for production
of these genotypes. This study revealed that there is high degree of variation in tuber yields and
related traits due to diverse environments and GEI, thus, further breeding and selection for high
yield and widely adaptable varieties is necessary.

Keywords: Biplot analysis, genotype x environment interaction, stability, sweetpotato, tuber yield

INTRODUCTION

Sweetpotato (Ipomea batatas, [L.] LAM) is the most
important staple root crop in Papua New Guinea and
recently has emerged as a significant cash crop. It is
ranked first among the other tuber crops in terms of area,
production and consumption (Wera, 2017). Sweetpotato
alone accounts for 66% of calorie requirements (Bourke,
2009), while the total land area devoted to sweetpotato
production in the country in 2013 was estimated at 122,000
ha, yielding approximately 600,000 t of fresh root (FAO,
2013). Moreover, Papua New Guinea is considered the
second largest centre of genetic diversity for sweetpotato
in the world (Yen, 1974). However, for numerous reasons,
Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
the crop’s maximum yield potential is not fully realized
which makes it also difficult for extensive commercial
production. Estimated sweetpotato yields recorded in
Papua New Guinea is between 13-15 t/ha (Bourke and
Vlassek, 2004).
*Corresponding Author: Boney Wera, National
Agriculture Research Institute, Head Office, P.O. Box
4415, LAE, Morobe, Papua New Guinea Email:
boney105wera@gmail.com, Tel: +675 478 4000, Fax:
+675 475 1450
Wera et al. 309
Possible factors that impede sweetpotato production are
incidences of diseases and pests, climate variability, poor
cultural practices and rapid decline in soil fertility due to
deprived soil management practices. Besides, one of the
major challenges is lack of improved local sweetpotato
varieties with wide adaptation.
Although sweetpotato is flexible and adaptable to wide
range of environments with few inputs, most of its
agronomic traits, particularly root yield are highly affected
by environmental changes as which were indicated by
previous GxE studies (Kanua & Floyd, 1988; Abidin et al.,
2005; Grüneberg et al., 2005). The existing varieties in
Papua New Guinea do not yield consistently across
different agro-ecological zones in the country and as such
their reliability to supply adequate quantities for national
consumption requirement is not guaranteed. For instance,
at present, each geographical region in the country grows
a different set of predominant sweetpotato cultivars such
as RAB 36 and DOY2 in the lowlands, Wanmun, Sinato
and Rachael in mid-altitude highlands and Koro West and
Tambul Mal in the high altitude highlands of Papua New
Guinea. Observations (not documented) made by
sweetpotato researchers and farmers reveal that when
any of these cultivars was cultivated in places or regions
different from where they were previously grown, their
yield performance was quite different. Similar observations
were found in other tropical root crops such as cassava
(El-Sharkawy, 2004).
This reveals that varietal selection and production of
improved sweetpotato is further complicated by its
sensitivity to environmental variation as Papua New
Guinea has very diverse agro-ecological zones.
Expression of quantitative characters is controlled not only
by the genotype of the plant but also by non-genetic factors
called environment. When the relative performances of
cultivars vary significantly from one environment to
another, genotype by environment interaction (GEI) exists.
The existence of GEI particularly in diverse environments
is of major importance to plant breeders as it makes it
difficult to make decisions for selection of suitable
genotypes. Hence, the selection of improved crop varieties
is preceded by multi-locational trials in which performance
of the best genotypes is determined and recommended. In
addition, it is critical to analyze the interaction between
genotype and environment in order to determine the yield
potential and stability of genotypes (Yan et al., 2001) under
diverse environments and cropping systems. To minimize
the effects of GEI, one of the measures is to identify and
use stable cultivars and high yield which is an important
characteristic of an ideal cultivar. Therefore, a GxE multi-
location yield trial is prerequisite to identify high yielding,
widely adaptable varieties with good agronomic and
quality traits in the principal areas of production. However,
several other studies including a recent one by Gurmu et
al. (2017) reported that the GxE interaction for nutritional
traits were small and selection for nutritional traits may be
conducted centrally in one or few environments.
Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
Considering all these points, the varietal improvement
across the diverse agro-climatic environment, genotype by
environment interaction study can help to develop wide
adaptive sweetpotato cultivars for Papua New Guinea.
The current study estimated the nature as well as
magnitude of GEI and evaluated the yield performances
and stability of the seven sweetpotato breeding lines
across three diverse agro-ecologies of Papua New
Guinea.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Experimental conditions, treatments and design.
Seven elite sweetpotato breeding lines viz.5ML 7e, NIB
005, NIB 0812-018, NIB 1009-030, NIB 1032-189, NIB
1032-213 and NIB 1032-514 derived from NARI’s breeding
programme, including two local cultivars (Wanmun and
Kerot Goroka) (Table 1), were grown under rainfed
conditions at three distinct locations representing the
major agro-ecological zones of Papua New Guinea during
two cropping seasons from May-November in 2016 (dry
season) and November 2016 to June 2017 (wet season).
The sites were Bubia representing mainland of lowlands
with high temperature and rainfall; Aiyamontena
representing mid-altitude highlands with moderate
temperature and rainfall and Tambul representing high
altitude highlands, low temperature, and high rainfall. The
experimental sites represented major sweetpotato growing
areas and were selected based on different altitudes, soil
types, amount of rainfall and temperatures as shown in
Table 2.
The experiments were carried out in randomized complete
block design with three replications. Each experimental
plot had 4 rows of 5 plants planted on mounds with spacing
of 0.8 m within and between rows. Plots were bordered by
one row of sweetpotato plants. Harvesting was done from
central row (net plot) of every genotype in the experimental
plot to obtain trial data. At Bubia and Aiyamontena,
standard small mounds (30-50 cm diameter) were
constructed while large compost mounds (60 cm diameter)
with beds height raised up to 0.5 m were used at Tambul
which is a traditional practice widely used in high altitude
highlands of Papua New Guinea. Vine cuttings with 10 fully
expanded leaves were prepared and two vines planted per
planting point. Subsistence cultivation and management
practices were followed to mimic the traditional cultivation
practices in Papua New Guinea under rainfed conditions.
Timing for harvest in these locations are at 4, 5 and 6
months after planting for Bubia, Aiyamontena and Tambul
respectively as per tuber maturity.
Data collection procedures.
The daily rainfall data was manually recorded throughout
the cropping seasons with rain gauge installed in each of
the location to determine total precipitation. At harvest,

mounds were exposed from the innermost rows of net
plots and data collected included tuber counts per plant,
fresh tuber and aerial biomass weights. Tuber and
biomass yields (t/ha) were estimated form the weight of
harvest in a plot, excluding border rows.
In addition, measurements were made on vine length (cm)
and scab and gall mite incidences. The incidences of scab
disease (Elsinoe batatas) were recorded based on visual
field observation using a modified 1-5 point scale as
described by the Centro Internacional de Papa, Lima,
Peru(CIP, 2007); where 1: highly resistant (less than 1%
foliage damage) and 5 (>75 % foliar damage):susceptible.
There are other common bacterial and viral diseases of
sweetpotato present in Papua New Guinea but the extent
of damage and effects on yield is not well established.
Yields (t/ha) were estimated for matured marketable fresh
tuber yield (MMFTY), matured non-marketable tuber yield
(MNMTY), total fresh tuber yield (TFTY) and fresh aerial
biomass yield (FABY). Tuber dry matter (TDM) content
was estimated from five random fresh tubers collected
from each net plot. These tubers were sliced and fresh
sample weights of 500g were oven dried at 80oC for 48
hours until constant weight is reached to estimate the
TDM%.
Dry tuber yield (DTY) (t/ha) was computed using the
equation:
DTY (t/ha) = TDM % x TFTY (t/ha). [Equation 1]
Harvest index percentage (HI %) was calculated with this
formulae:
HI % = TFTY (t/ha) ÷ total fresh biomass yield (TFBY)
(t/ha) x 100. [Equation 2]
At least five marketable edible tubers from each genotype
representing all replicates were sampled for sensory
evaluation test for culinary traits. Each genotype, after
boiled, was rated by farmers in each location according to
3-point hedonic scales, where 1 is less preferred while 3 is
highly preferred (Tomlins et al. 2004). General appearance
in terms of color, odour, texture, taste, fiber content and
overall acceptability of cooked tubers of each genotype
were blindly assessed.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Statistical analysis and estimations on tuber yield and yield
component data were carried out using GenStat 17 th
(GenStat, 2016) statistical software. Before data analysis,
normality test was computed to ensure that the data is
normally distributed. Then, analysis of variance (ANOVA)
was carried out and pooled over locations and seasons
using the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) procedures.
Since the pooled ANOVA considers only the main effects,
the additive main effect and multiplicative interaction
Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 310
model (AMMI) were used to analyze the yield and
component data (Gauch and Zobel, 1997).
The AMMI statistical model equation is:
𝑦𝑔𝑒𝑟 = 𝜇 + 𝛼𝑔 + 𝛽𝑒 ∑ λ𝑛 𝑦𝑔𝑛 𝛿𝑒𝑛 + 𝜌𝑔𝑒 + 𝐸𝑔𝑒𝑟 [Equation 3]
where:
Yger = Yield of genotype g in environment e for
replicate r,
μ = Grand mean,
𝛼𝑔 = Genotype mean deviations (genotype means
minus grand mean),
𝛽𝑒 = Environment mean deviation,
n = Number of PCA axes retained in the model,
λ𝑛 = Singular value for PCA axis n,
𝑦𝑔𝑛 = Genotype eigenvector values for PCA axis n,
𝛿𝑒𝑛 = Environment eigenvector values for PCA axis n,
𝜌𝑔𝑒 = Residuals,
𝐸𝑔𝑒𝑟 = Error was used.
Beginning with the normal procedure for two-way ANOVA,
the AMMI analysis first separates additive variance from
the multiplicative variance (interaction), and then applies
PCA (principal component axis) to the interaction, i.e., to
the residual portion of the ANOVA model to extract a new
set of coordinate axes which accounts more effectively for
the interaction patterns.
AMMI analysis was also used to determine stability of the
genotypes across locations using the PCA scores (IPCA1
and IPCA2).The IPCA score near zero reveals more
stable, while large values indicate more responsive and
less stable genotypes. Since both IPCAs are equally
considered important in determining yield stability, the
AMMI stability value (ASV) parameter is used to quantify
and classify the genotypes accordingly instead of using
individual IPCAs. ASV was also calculated for each
genotype according to the relative contribution of IPCA1 to
IPCA2 to the interaction sum of square.
The ASV was calculated as previously described by
Purchase et al. (2000):
[Equation 4]
where: IPCA1SQ/ IPCA2SQ is the weight resulting from
dividing the sum of IPCA1 squares by the sum of IPCA2
squares.
Thus, least ASV indicates wide adaptation of specific
genotypes for certain environments and vice-versa.
In addition, yield stability index (YSI) was used to
determine the genotype’s adaptability by combining both
yield (productivity) and stability in the location while
environment index (EI) determines favourable
environment for production.
Wera et al. 311
The YSI as described by Oliveira et at., (2014) was
computed by the following formula:
YSI = RASV + RY [Equation 5]
where: RASV is the ranking of the AMMI stability value and
RY is the ranking of mean tuber yields in all environments.
YSI parameter incorporates both the IPCAs, ASV and
mean performance ranking; where genotypes with the
least YSI score are considered high yielding and stable.
YSI is relevant in finding the most stable genotypes that do
not always have the best yield performance.
The calculation of EI followed Soares de Vasconcelos et
al., (2011) and it is the difference between the mean of
each environment and the grand mean of the experiment.
An environment is classified as unfavorable if EI is
negative and favorable if EI is positive.
AMMI biplot was used to plot genotypes and environments
against their respective means, where the abscissa shows
the main effects while the ordinate shows IPCA1. GGE
biplot analysis in the Meta analysis of GenStat was also
used to graphically visualize the relationship between
genotype and environment, identify mega environment,
and determine the ‘which won where’ portion (Yan, 2001).
The GGE biplot was also undertaken to determine stability
across test environment. This analysis disclosed
genotypes located near the biplot origin as widely adapted,
while genotypes located far as specifically adapted. In
addition, circular view of GGE biplot showing the line called
average environment coordinates (AEC) was employed to
show the ranking of the genotypes by their mean yield and
stability. The line passed through the biplot origin and
another line perpendicular to it was drawn to represent the
stability of the genotypes. Either direction away from the
biplot origin on this axis, indicated greater GEI and
reduced stability.
The AMMI and GGE biplot analysis presented in this report
was only for MMFTY as it measured marketable yield while
excluding immature and non-marketable yields which is a
better indication of genotypes productivity in each
environment. Thus, the overall selection for ideal
genotypes in this study was based more on MMFTY than
the TFTY, DTY, and other component traits.
Genotypes’ assessment by farmers for culinary traits in
respective locations was computed into frequencies using
Microsoft Excel 2007 and the scores for each trait was
averaged and positioned by pair-wise ranking. Genotypes
with high overall mean and low ranking indicates that the
genotype have higher consumer acceptance.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Rainfall. The rainfall received for Aiyamontena for the first
and second season for Bubia was quite not sufficient as
Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
shown in Table 2, which is relatively good for sweetpotato
growth although not optimum. Experiment in Tambul was
exposed to excessive seasonal rainfall (3237 mm) which
is almost twice as much compared to Aiyamontena (1803
mm) and Bubia (1657 mm). Even the seasonal rainfall
recorded at Tambul was above the total annual rainfall.
Mohammadi and Amri (2013) reported that, combination of
rainfall and temperature was the main environmental
factors that had greater impact on GEI occurrence.
Genotypic Yield Performance, GEI effects and Stability
GEI effects on tuber yields.
The ANOVA with AMMI model revealed that genotype (G),
environment (E) and GEI effects were highly significantly
different (P<0.05) for matured marketable fresh tuber yield
(MMFTY), total fresh tuber yield (TFTY) and dry tuber yield
(DTY) as shown in Table 3. For instance, distribution in
total variations of the treatments (G, E, GEI) for MMFTY,
TFTY and DTY accounted for 60.9%, 71.6% and 66.4%
respectively. However, the magnitude of G, E and GEI
effects in the total variability differ for respective yield traits
understudied. The partitioning of variance components
indicated that E main effect contributed more to the total
variability of MMFTY, TFTY and DTY than the G effect and
GEI. For instance, the treatments (G, E, GEI) for MMFTY
accounted for 60.9% of the total variation, with E capturing
the highest amount of variation (43.9%), followed by G
(10.9%) and GEI (6.1%). Similar results were observed by
Kanua and Floyd, (1988) when evaluated selected
sweetpotato varieties across the highlands of Papua New
Guinea. Higher environmental variation in tuber yield traits
could be related to very diverse test locations representing
the three major agro-ecological zones of Papua New
Guinea with location differences in terms of altitude, soil
type, temperatures, soil moisture conditions and growing
seasons (Table 2). This interaction indicate that test
genotypes were not stable and respond differently across
environments; which suggest that genotypes may be
selected for adaptation to specific test environments. This
variation underlines the need to conduct multi-locational
trials in order to identify both generally and specifically
adapted genotypes with good performance for specific
yield traits. This result was similar to previous reports on
tuber yields and various sweetpotato traits (Gurmu et al.
2017; Kivuva et al. 2014). High variability observed among
genotypes also indicates the presence of sufficient genetic
variability for the traits studied which is useful for further
genetic improvement. However, large magnitude of
variation (%) on all tuber yield traits due to GEI also
suggests that breeding and selection for these traits are
complex, requiring follow up studies on the causes of these
interactions.
In Papua New Guinea, sweetpotato is grown across wider
range of agro-ecologies and altitudes (near sea level up to
2, 300 m.a.s.l) with minimum farm inputs and traditional
cultivation techniques. In addition, each region and
environment within the specific environment itself has

locally adapted cultivars with certain preferences.
Therefore, the identification of stable varieties is a critical
step in this breeding program and selection of suitable
varieties to better predict their behavior. This justifies the
need for a more refined analysis using interaction principal
component axes (IPCAs), AMMI stability value (ASV),
yield stability index (YSI), AMMI biplot, and GGE biplots
from AMMI model simultaneously to increase the
efficiency of selection and the choice of genotypes with
yield advantage and stability for cultivation under these
diverse environments.
AMMI analysis (ANOVA) partitioned the sum of squares
(SS) of GEI into IPCA1 and IPCA2, of which, both IPCAs
were not significant (P<0.05) for the three yield traits
measured. Yan and Tinker, (2006) suggest that the first
two IPCAs best explain the interaction SS in different trials
in which more contribution (variation %) explained by
IPCA1 show more importance in describing the GEI than
the IPCA2. AMMI ANOVA for MMFTY showed that IPCA1
captured 57.6% of the genotype by environment
interaction (GEI) sum of squares (SS) with 56.2% of the
corresponding degree of freedom (df). Similarly, IPCA2
explained a further 42.4% of the GEI SS in 43.8% of the
interaction df. The IPCA1 for TFTY and TDTY accounted
for 63.9% and 53.3% respectively, while IPCA2 accounted
for 36.1% (TFTY) and 46.7% (DTY) of the GEI SS (Table
3). Thus, both IPCA’s captured 100 % portion of the
variability leaving 0% residual for tuber yields which
indicates the effectiveness of AMMI in summarizing the
data within two IPCA.
In the AMMI ANOVA, IPCA1 accounted for over 50 % of
the GEI % SS in all yield traits. Subsequently fitted IPCAs
contributed less than 50 % of the GEI SS and were non-
significant, indicating that they captured largely random
noise. Similarly, IPCA2 interaction df for GEI SS
accounted for less than 50%. Since IPCA1 scores capture
larger portion of the GEI, it is sufficient for visual
assessment of the genotype and environment
performances and their interactions in the AMMI biplot.
Matured marketable fresh tuber yield (MMFTY)
Mean genotypic performances across environments
ranged from 5.1 to 13.5 t/ha for MMFTY with considerable
yield differences observed in each environment (Table 4).
The first five best genotypes selections per environment
by AMMI model were: G6, G5, G4, G7and G3 for
Aiyamontena; G4, G3, G2, G6 and G5 for Bubia; and G5,
G3, G1, G2 and G4 for Tambul. The overall genotypic
means across locations identified G6 as the highest yielder
(13.5 t/ha) followed by G3, G4, G5 and G2 while G8,
followed by G9, G7 and G1 were the lowest yielders.
Genotypes with superior yield at Aiyamontena, Bubia and
Tambul are G6, G4 and G5 respectively. Genotypes G3,
G4 and G5 were ranked among the top five high yielding
lines in all three environments. Generally, the new
Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 312
genotypes perform better than the local checks, Wanmun
(G8) and Kerot Goroka (G9) in all locations in terms of
marketable tuber yield.
Average MMFTY across environments accounted for
72.8% of the total fresh tuber production in which
Aiyamontena (73.7%) and Bubia (73.4%) produced high
marketable yields compared to Tambul (71.4%). About
29% of the tubers harvested in Tambul at 6 months after
planting were categorized as immature compared to the
other two locations. This indicates the slow growth and
tuberization of genotypes in order to realize their maximum
tuber yield potential at high altitude (2321 m.a.s.l) cold
environment (mean temperature of 20°C) at Tambul as
sweetpotato requires moderate temperature of 21-26°C for
normal storage root development (Nedunchezhiyan et at.
2012). Nevertheless, environmental means for all yield
traits (MMFTY, TFTY and DTY) at Tambul was the highest
amongst others which indicates that it is the ideal
environment for most genotypes and was proven also by
the positive EI (7.08, 10.12 and 2.90) (Table 7). Also, high
positive correlation (R2=95) between MMFTY and TFTY
was detected across locations which implies that increase
in total tuber production directly increase marketable tuber
yield. The existence of positive relationship between
matured marketable and total tuber yield enable us to use
MMFTY mostly in the selection of ideal genotypes rather
than total tuber yield.
AMMI stability value (ASV) was computed to determine
stability of the genotypes. ASV is represented by the
distance of the varieties from the zero point of the IPCA1
vs IPCA2 scatter diagram. Genotypes with lower
ASV/IPCA are considered more stable and specifically
adapted to certain environment than those with higher
scores (Purchase, 1997). Accordingly, genotypes G8, G5,
G1, and G7 with least ASV reveal that they are most stable
and had general adaptation, while G6, G2 and G4 were
the most unstable genotypes in terms of MMFTY. This was
in agreement with Adebola et al., (2013) who have used
ASV as a method of evaluating tuber yield stability of
sweetpotato breeding lines. Related studies done on other
crops using ASV and other stability parameters were also
reported by Oliveira et al., (2014) and Hagos and Abay
(2013).
However, to avoid selection of genotypes based only on
stability as sole criterion, yield stability index (YSI) was
used which incorporates both yield (productivity) and
stability in a single index to select varieties for
recommendation. According to this index, G5, G3 and G1
had low YIS, which, indicate that they are best genotypes
combining high MMFTY and stability across the three
locations as shown in Table 4. However, G9, G2 and G7
were considered unstable across locations with somewhat
low tuber yield. YSI is relevant in finding the most stable
genotypes that do not always have the best yield
performance. This method was successfully used for other
Wera et al. 313
crops such as rice (Nassir and Ariyo, 2011), cassava
(Tumuhimbise et al., 2014) and passion fruit (Oliveira et
al., 2014) which shows good correspondence with the
biplot analysis.
Total fresh tuber yield (TFTY)
The mean TFTY of test genotypes in different
environments ranged from 8.47 to 18.05 t/ha with
significant variations, although this difference was much
greater compared to Aiyamontena and Bubia, with yields
of 4.76 to 14.71 t/ha and 3.95 to 15.52 t/ha respectively
(Table 5). The best five genotypes in terms of TFTY at
Aiyamontena were G6, G9, G5, G4 and G1; while the best
five genotypes at Tambul were G4, G9, G3, G5 and G2.
Genotypes G4, G3, G2, G6 and G7 did well in the lowlands
at Bubia. The local check, Kerot Goroka (G9) was the
second highest yielding genotype at Aiyamontena and
Tambul, however, non-marketable portion of the tuber
yield accounted for 44 and 35% of the total yield in
respective environments. The second local check
Wanmun (G8) produced the least TFTY across all
environments.
Genotypes G1, G5 and G3 were the most stable
genotypes considering their low IPCAs and ASV, whereas
G9, G4 and G6 were the least stable (Table 5). Combining
stability (IPCAs/ASV) and genotypes’ yield ranking, G5,
G1 and G3 were identified as most stable and high yielding
genotypes in terms of TFTY across the test environments
as indicated by their low YSI. Tambul was tagged as high
yielding environment with 36-42% more TFTY production
compared to Aiyamontena and Bubia.
Dry tuber yield (DTY)
AMMI analysis for DTY ranked genotypes G6, G5, G1 and
G7 as the best at Aiyamontena; G2, G4, G5, G6 and G1
for Bubia whilst superior genotypes for Tambul were G1,
G4, G3, G9 and G5. Genotypic performance in terms of
DTY labeled G1, G5, G2, G4 and G6 as superior with
above average yield across environments as compared to
others including the local checks (Table 6). Means of dry
tuber yields at Tambul was twice as high compared to the
other two locations with mean ranged from 4.94 to 8.19
t/ha.
In terms of stability across environments, the IPCAs and
ASV parameters ranked G5, G1, G3, G8 and G6 as stable
genotypes. The stable and high yielding genotypes were
G1, G5, G3, G4 and G6 with low YSI while G7, G9 and G8
are among the low yielding and least stable genotypes as
displayed in Table 6.
AMMI & GGE Biplot Analysis
The large yield variation due to location, which is irrelevant
to cultivar evaluation and mega-environment investigation
Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
(Yan et al., 2000), justified the selection of AMMI and GGE
biplot as the appropriate method for analyzing the MET
data. Moreover, detailed stability analysis of the tested
genotypes based on their IPCA scores using GGE biplot
analysis is presented in Figures 1, 2 & 3.
AMMI biplot
The biplot generated by AMMI model for GEI permits
visualization of differences in the interaction main effects
(tuber yield).The AMMI biplot of MMFTY (t/ha) of the
genotypes grown in three locations was demonstrated in
Figure 1. The y-axis represents the IPCA1 scores, while
the x-axis represents the MMFTY (t/ha) (main effect) of the
genotypes. Genotypes or environments on the same
parallel line, relative to the ordinate have similar tuber
yields, and a genotype or environment on the right side of
the mid-point of this axis has higher yield than that on the
left hand side. Therefore, the high yielding environments
in this study was Tambul while the low yielding
environments were Aiyamontena and Bubia with below
average yield. High yielding genotypes with above
average tuber yield across environments were G6, G3,
G4, G5 and G2. Genotypes lying in close proximity to a
specific environment indicate better adaptation to that
environment, for example, G2, G3 and G4 were better
adapted at Bubia while G5, G3 and G1 were related more
to Tambul. At Aiyamontena G6, G1, G7 and G9 (Kerot
Goroka) were found to perform well there. Genotypes
which are close to each other tend to have similar tuber
yield response to environment. Tambul was the most
stable environment, whereas Aiyamontena and Bubia
were most unstable producing large interaction. Genotype
G5 was the overall best genotype combining relative
stability and high yield whereas; G7 and G1 were stable
and yielded below average. The poorest of the genotypes
due to instability and lowest yield was the local cultivar,
Wanmun (G8). Results of AMMI biplot corresponds with
selection by IPCAs, ASV and YSI (Table 4).
GGE biplot analysis of ideal genotypes
The two PCs in the GGE biplot explained 84.78% of the
total GGE variation, where PC1 = 66.16%, and PC2 =
18.62% (Figure 2 & 3). Figure 2 presents the ranking of
genotypes based on mean yield and stability of
performance. It is the biplot of ‘ideal genotype’ as it
indicates desirability in terms of both crop stability and
mean performance. The average environment coordinates
(AEC) which is the single arrowed line that passes through
the biplot origin is the abscissa. The AEC and the average
environment represented by the small red circle that
represents the mean yield of genotypes. However, AEC
which is the double line that passes through the biplot
origin and perpendicular to the abscissa represents the
GEI or stability/instability of the genotypes (Yan et al.,
2000). The single arrowed line points towards the direction
of the increasing mean yield and the two arrows of the

AEC-ordinate points to greater GEI or lower stability
(instability). Hence, environment in Tambul was more
stable gaining maximum yield while Aiyamontena and
Bubia were unstable with reduced mean yield. Genotype
G5 was the best (most ideal) genotype while G3 and G1
were close to the ideal genotype with high yield and
stability. These were followed by G6, G4 and G2 that had
above average mean yield but were relatively unstable.
Local cultivar Wanmun (G8) was the most stable across
environments but was the least productive variety that
performed well below average. Thus, Wanmun including
genotypes G9 and G7 have no place as far as yield and
stability is concerned. The identification of ideal genotypes
using GGE biplot analysis (Figure 2) corresponds with
selection done using AMMI biplot (Figure 1) and YSI
(Table 4), which indicates the effectiveness of these
parameters in the selection of ideal genotypes.
GGE biplot analysis of “which won where”?
GGE biplot of “which won where” explicitly displays
suitability of genotypes for particular environment and
possible existence of mega environments, and hence is a
concise summary of the GEI pattern. The perpendicular
lines starting from the origin divided the biplot into 4
sectors to which 2 mega-environments (within the red
circle) were identified. Aiyamontena and Tambul
comprised of one mega-environment while Bubia lies in
the next sector which is the second mega-environment.
The grouping of mega-environments by GGE biplot
confirms the distinctiveness of major agro-ecological
zones of Papua New Guinea in which trials were
conducted. Aiyamontena and Tambul both are located in
the highlands while Bubia represents Papua New Guinea
lowlands and are likely to be exposed to similar
environment and climatic conditions.
The genotypes at the vertices of each sector are the best
performer at environments included in that sector,
provided that GGE is sufficiently approximated by PC1 and
PC2. Hence, genotype G6 is considered the best/winning
genotype in Aiyamontena and Tambul since they
constitute of one mega-environment. The vertex
genotypes for Bubia were G3, G4 and G2, suggesting that
they are the winners in Bubia. Vertex genotypes without
environment in the sectors were never high yielding
genotypes at any environment or perform poorly in some
locations. The remaining two sectors have no environment
in them. One of these sectors enclosed G8 (Wanmun) on
its vertex which implies that Wanmun is the looser in every
test location. Nevertheless, genotypes inside the polygon,
mainly those located close to the plot origin such as G1,
G7, G9 and G5 were less responsive than the vertex
genotypes and not the best in any environment. Generally,
genotype G5 was the overall winner and top rank
combining yield (MMFTY) and stability across the
environments.
Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 314
Environmental Index and Stability
Environmental differences in mean MMFTY, TFTY and
DTY show that Tambul produced the highest tuber yields
compared to Bubia and Aiyamontena respectively as
indicated in Table 7. The difference in performances of
genotypes across environment is largely due to the
environmental diversity of the 3 major agro-ecological
zones of Papua New Guinea. Identification of favourable
environment in this study takes into account combination
of environment mean yield, environment index (EI) and
stability parameters (IPCA1 + ASV). Accordingly, Tambul
was the most productive and stable environment as
indicated by high fresh tuber yield/EI and low IPCA1/ASV
followed by Bubia and Aiyamontena.
It is initially anticipated that Aiyamontena with ideal climate
and soil would produce more tuber yield than other sites.
However, this did not eventuated which could be attributed
to very low rainfall (557.1 mm) received in the first season
particularly at crop establishment. It was also noted the
experimental site at Aiyamontena was previously under
continuous sweetpotato cultivation for more than 20 years
which could have depleted all essential soil nutrients.
Nevertheless, most of the test genotypes still produced
good yield compared to local cultivars. This indicates the
possibility that their potential yield can still be explored if
planted in different areas and seasons in the surrounding
environment. Aiyamontena, on the other hand, maintained
high stability in terms of dry tuber yield as manifested by
their least IPCA1/ASV. Generally, Tambul was identified
as the most favourable environment for cultivation of these
genotypes to realize their maximum tuber yield potential.
Performances of Yield Components and GEI
Interactions
Number of tubers (TNPP): Combined analysis indicated
significant differences (P≤0.05) in mean TNPP which is
mainly due to environment (37.1%) than genotype (14.2%)
and GEI (6.8%) effects. The overall TNPP across
environments ranged from 5.3 to 8.9 with an average of
5.2, 6.3 and 9.8 respectively at Aiyamontena, Bubia and
Tambul (Table 8).
Although Tambul and Bubia had the highest tuber number,
the immature pencil sized tubers accounted for 69% and
60% respectively of the total tuber numbers. High number
of immature tubers at Tambul could be due to slow rate of
tuber initiation and bulking caused by low temperature,
whilst at Bubia, it could possibly be related to excessive
soil moisture due to high rainfall which could have
discouraged the tuber bulking process.
Tuber dry matter content (TDMC %): Results for TDMC
% showed that the effects of G, E and GEI were found to
be highly significant (P≤0.05) (Table 8), indicates that
genotypes performed differently across different
Wera et al. 315
environments. Mean TDMC % across locations ranged
from 24.6 % (G6) to 33.0 % (G1). The highest overall mean
of TDMC was produced at Aiyamontena (32.7 %) with
genotypic mean ranged from 25.7 to 37.3 % compared to
Tambul and Bubia respectively.
The variations in TDMC % is mostly due to genotype
(31.2%) main effect than environment (25.3%), GEI
(11.2%) and seasonal (0.47 %) effects. Similar result was
obtained by Wolfgang et al. (2005) who found small GEI
effect while study by Dai et al. (1988) and others
suggested that tuber dry matter in sweetpotato is highly
heritable which is controlled by the effect of additive gene.
The average dry matter content in sweetpotato is
approximately 30% but are also found to vary widely
depending on factors such as cultivar, climate, day length,
soil type, incidence of pests and diseases and cultivation
practices (Bradbury and Holloway 1988). In view of that,
genotypes tested in Aiyamontena are found to accumulate
more TDMC compared to Tambul and Bubia. High TDMC
noticed in Aiyamontena could be due to less rainfall
(1803.5 mm) during the growing seasons and soil type
which is mostly loose and friable with low water retention
capacity. Air temperature could also be an important
contributing factor for high TDMC at Aiyamontena because
the site has annual mean temperature of 24 °C (DIVA-GIS
2013) which is right for sweetpotato production as reported
by Nedunchezhiyan et at. (2012). Low TDMC at Tambul
could be explained by high rainfall (3238 mm) and short
day length caused by cloud cover due to high elevation.
Ravi and Saravanan (2012) also reported that high soil
moisture prolongs TDM production, reduces the proportion
of dry matter allocation into tubers and diverts to shoot
growth. However, low TDMC in Bubia could be affected by
high temperature (Table 2) as dry matter stored in tubers
can be lost through excessive respiration. Genotypes G1,
G2, G5, G7 and G8 consistently yield maximum mean
TDMC in every environment which indicate their inherent
(genetic) ability as high dry matter producing genotypes.
Genotypes with below average TDMC % across locations
are G3, G4, G6 and G9. Interestingly, all these genotypes
with low dry matter possess orange tuber fleshed color
while genotypes with creamy to yellow flesh such as G1,
G2, G5 and G8 acquire high TDMC (>30 %). This
phenomenon is common in nearly all orange-fleshed
sweetpotato (OFSP) varieties in which dry matter contents
usually range from 18% to 26% (Picha, 1987). It was found
that the intensity of the orange-flesh colour was negatively
related with TDM, which is in confirmation with the
observation of Vimala and Hariprakash (2011). Varieties
with high TDM generally give high mealiness, a
characteristic that is mostly preferred by consumers in
Papua New Guinea. Regardless of that, these OFSPs can
provide high β-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A and other
essential nutrients to alleviate certain forms of malnutrition
and Vitamin A deficiency in Papua New Guinea.
Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
Harvest index (HI %): Main effect of G contributed more
(27.9 %) to the total variations in HI % of test genotypes
across locations followed by E (18. 5 %) and GEI (17.2 %)
effects with significant (P≤0.05) differences (Table 8).
Genotypes mean of HI % across environments ranged
from 30.4 % to 59.5 %. Tambul accounted for the most HI
of 55.4 % followed by Aiyamontena and Bubia. This could
be an indication that the source to sink efficiency in Tambul
for the test genotypes is high resulting in maximum tuber
yield than aerial biomass (vines and leaves). Also, evident
in this study is that tuber yield of genotypes at Tambul is
high compared to other locations which confirm with
studies done by Li and Yen (1988), who reported that
sweetpotato cultivars with higher yields divert larger
portions of assimilates to the storage roots. Generally,
genotypes with low HI but acceptable tuber yield and other
valuable traits or with at least equal (50%) proportion of
tuberous roots and aerial biomass can be considered as
dual purpose varieties for human consumption and
livestock feed. Local cultivar, Wanmun (G8) had the lowest
HI % at all locations over others, whereas, G3 and G6
recorded high HI % in almost all locations.
Sensory Evaluation
The panelists’ preferences for various sensory traits
differed across the three test environments. Genotypes
that were highly preferred in nearly all locations are G1,
Wanmun, G2, G6 and G4 whereas G5 and G9 had specific
consumers’ preference at Bubia. The overall mean score
for sensory traits across environments was 2.24 which
indicate that culinary qualities are within acceptable range
for nearly all genotypes, thus, their acceptance by farmers
should not be a problem.
Pest and Disease Assessment
Scab disease: Scab disease (Elsinoe batatas) varied
significantly (P≤0.05) among test genotypes (G) which
accounted for 35.9 % of the total variations while
environmental (E) variations (0.65 %) had no significant
effect on scab incidence (Table 9). However, variations
due to GEI accounted for 15.3 % with significant influence
on scab incidence. Previous study by Kanua and Floyd
(1988) show similar interactions in scab incidences across
sweetpotato trials in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
This indicates that scab is genotype specific, but, the
intensity of infestation can be determined by the
environmental factors in which they are exposed under.
Genotypes tested at Tambul have higher incidence of scab
while Bubia record the least scores. The differences in the
means of scab ratings in these two contrasting
environments could be related to the variations in
temperature, rainfall, humidity and elevation. Smith et al.,
(1991) claimed that scab disease is severe in cooler
tropical environments where it is favored by heavy rainfall
and high humidity. High incidence of scab in Tambul and
Aiyamontena confirms the report by Kokoa (1986), stating

that scab incidence in Papua New Guinea is most
prevalent mainly in the highlands. Genotypes G4, G5 and
G7 were least rated and could be regarded as resistant
while G3 and G6 with high ratings indicate some level of
tolerance.
Gall mite: Incidence of gall mite (Eriophyes
gastrotrichus Nalepa) in this study is mostly influenced by
the differences in the test environments as revealed by
significantly large variations in E (30.8 %) compared to G
(7.4 %) and GEI (14.7 %) effects in combined analysis
(Table 9). This implies that gall mite incidence is
environment specific. Gall mite assessment in this study
reveal the presence of this pest specifically in
Aiyamontena which is located in the mid-highlands of
Papua New Guinea, but is absolutely absent in Bubia
(lowlands) and Tambul (high altitude highlands). There is
limited knowledge about this pest and its effects on yield
although it is reported by Ames et al. (1996) to be present
only in Papua New Guinea and Philippines.
Varietal Selection and Recommendation
The selection of ideal genotypes in principle area of
production with enhanced yield and stability combining
several other economic traits preferred by end users
makes breeders tasks even more challenging. It is evident
in this study that some genotypes selected based on yield
and stability alone do not possess other important
agronomic and quality traits preferred by farmers. Thus,
alternate lines with combination of yield, stability and
several preferred traits are selected for varietal
recommendation to ensure quick uptake by farmers.
Based on the overall mean tuber yield and stability,
genotypes G2, G3 and G4 obtained high marketable tuber
yield and stability and could be recommended for release
to farmers in Bubia and areas that share similar
characteristics in the lowlands of Papua New Guinea.
Since G3 is least preferred in terms of overall taste
preference and low TDMC in Bubia, G5 with good taste,
high TDMC and low YSI can alternatively be considered.
Genotypes G6, G5, G3 and G1 are ideal genotypes
proposed to be scaled out to Tambul and similar high
altitude areas of the country. However, G3 in Tambul is
least preferred in terms of taste while it also possess low
TDMC and quite susceptible to scab disease. Likewise, G5
ranked top in yield and stability in Tambul is neither
preferred in terms of overall taste preference. Hence, G2
with good taste preference, high TDMC accompanied by
high tuber yield and stability can be recommended instead.
Ideal genotypes for farmers in Aiyamontena and other
similar mid-altitude highlands of Papua New Guinea could
be G6, G5, G4 and G7. However, G5 was ranked low in
culinary quality. Alternatively, G1with below average yield
but high stability, TDMC and taste preference can be
recommended. Genotypes G5, G3 and G1 are less
responsive and could be widely grown although they may
lack other important traits.
Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 316
CONCLUSION
The current study revealed that there was a high degree
of genetic variation among tested sweetpotato genotypes
for all traits understudied. These genotypes were sensitive
to GEI in terms of tuber yield traits suggesting that
breeding for yield is complex, while stability analysis is
required in selection of ideal genotypes. The combined
ANOVA showed that environmental effects contributed
more to the tuber yield traits (TNPP, TFTY, MMFTY, DTY)
whereas quality traits (HI, TDMC) were influenced by
genetic factors. Scab is genotype specific with intensity of
infestation influenced by variations in environmental
factors while gall mite is environment specific. This is an
indication that screening genotypes for GxE effects is
important to understand the nature and magnitude of GEI,
determine yield stability and to identify ideal genotypes for
cultivation in principal areas of production in Papua New
Guinea. The presence of significant G, E, GEI effects
including GGE and AMMI biplot analysis showed that
some genotypes are stable across environments, whereas
others with specific adaptation. GGE biplot identified two
mega-environments and also tagged genotypes G5, G3
and G1 with high tuber yield and stability across
environments. Genotypes G2, G3 and G4 were identified
as winning genotypes at Bubia while G6 is ideal for
Aiyamontena and Tambul. GGE and AMMI biplot analysis
corresponds well with ASV and YSI to determine
performance stability. Tambul was identified as the most
favourable environment for cultivation of these genotypes
for maximum yield benefit and stability. Preferences for
various sensory traits differed across environments where
overall assessment indicates good acceptance for most
genotypes. Orange fleshed genotypes generally possess
low-medium TDMC % and somewhat relate to low taste
preference, but, can be an important source of vitamin A
(β-carotene) to address vitamin A deficiency.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This study was carried out with funds from the National
Agriculture Research Institute of Papua New Guinea. We
are grateful to the people that were involved in this
research particularly the technical and ancillary staff of
Tambul, Bubia and Aiyura. Our special gratitude to the
farmers from Aiyamontena village in Kainantu, Eastern
Highlands Province for their participation by providing
land, labor and security for this experiment.
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Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
Wera et al. 319

APPENDIX

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1. List of 9 test genotypes and their morphological characters

Genotype names (IDs) Parentage Plant type Tuber skin color Tuber flesh color Tuber shape
5ML 7e (G1) Wanmun (half-sib) spreading3 yellow light yellow long elliptic
NIB 005 (G2) Marasunda (half-sib) semi-erect2 red light yellow round elliptic
NIB 0812-018 (G3) BL 7g (half-sib) spreading3 red orange ovate
NIB 1009-030 (G4) Northern Star (half-sib) semi-erect2 intermediate light orange long elliptic
brownish orange
NIB 1032-189 (G5) Kerot Goroka (half-sib) spreading3 intermediate yellow long elliptic
brownish orange
NIB 1032-213 (G6) Kerot Goroka (half-sib) semi-erect2 red orange long elliptic
NIB 1032-514 (G7) Kerot Goroka (half-sib) spreading3 brownish orange light orange long elliptic
Wanmun (G8) local cultivar spreading3 red light yellow round elliptic
Kerot Goroka (G9) local cultivar spreading3 pale orange light orange long irregular
or curved
Description of plant type and vine length: 1Erect (<75 cm); 2Semi-erect (75-150 cm); 3Spreading (151-250 cm); 4Extremely spreading
(>250 cm)

Table 2. Description of experimental locations

Environments
Descriptions
Aiyamontena Bubia Tambul
Main highlands (Eastern High altitude highlands
Region (Province) Lowlands (Morobe)
Highlands) (Western Highlands)
Coordinates 06°22'S, 145°85'E 06°66'S, 146°91'E 05°88'S, 143°94'E
Elevation (m.a.s.l.) 1680 30 2321
1Soil classification (soil type, Humic latosols (silt loam, Regosolic (sandy clay Humic andosols (silty
color) brown) loam, brown ) loam, black)
Climate conditions Tropical, inland mountain Tropical, coastal plains Tropical, higher mountains
2Total annual rainfall (mm) 2000 >2000 2544
Season rainfall (mm)Season I 557.1 1167.1 1591.5
Season II 1246.4 490.0 1646.2
Annual mean temperature (°C) 24 26 20
Dates of planting Season I 01/06/2016 13/05/2016 5/05/2016
Season II 21/12/2016 13/12/2016 29/11/2016
Dates of harvest Season I 26/10/2016 26/09/2016 29/11/2016
Season II 22/05/2017 10/04/2017 06/06/2017
Source:1Soil map of PNG (CSIRO, 2003) Land Research Series on PNG. 2Rainfall and temperature DIVA-GIS 7.5 (2013)

Table 3: ANOVA for Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) of matured marketable fresh tuber yield
(MMFTY), total fresh tuber yield (TFTY) and dry tuber yield (DTY) (t/ha) for 9 genotypes in 3 locations.
MMFTY (t/ha) TFTY (t/ha) DTY (t/ha)
Source of variation Explained Explained Explained
df MS MS MS
variation (%) variation (%) variation (%)
Total 161 57.9 87.5 7.58
Treatments (G,E,GEI) 26 218.4** 60.88 387.9** 71.63 31.18** 66.43
Genotypes (G) 8 126.9** 10.89 143.8** 8.17 8.76** 5.74
Environments (E) 2 2045.7** 43.86 4182.9** 59.42 342.21** 56.08
Replications/E 6 48.3ns 3.11 87.4** 3.72 7.0** 3.44
Interactions (GxE) 16 35.7ns 6.12 35.6ns 4.05 3.5ns 4.60
IPCA1 9 36.6ns 57.62 40.5ns 63.86 3.32ns 53.30
IPCA2 7 34.5ns 42.38 29.4ns 36.14 3.74ns 46.70
IPCA Residuals 0 0 0 0
Error 129 26 26.9 2.85
df = degree of freedom; MS = mean sum of square; andns = non significant; **= Significant at 5 % probability by F test.
Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
 Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 320

Table 4: Mean matured marketable fresh tuber yield (MMFTY) (t/ha) of genotypes and locations ranked (in parenthesis)
by AMMI model, IPCA scores, AMMI stability value (ASV) and yield stability index (YSI)
Environments Genotype IPCA1 IPCA2
GenotypeIDs ASV YSI
Aiyamontena Bubia Tambul mean score score
G1 5.79 (7) 5.15 (7) 19.32 (3) 10.09 (6) 0.396 1.074 1.20 9
G2 4.72 (8) 11.07 (3) 19.24 (4) 11.68 (5) -1.373 0.145 1.87 13
G3 6.36 (5) 11.46 (2) 20.32 (2) 12.71 (2) -1.051 0.188 1.44 8
G4 7.03 (3) 12.65 (1) 18.44 (5) 12.70 (3) -1.135 -0.728 1.71 10
G5 7.96 (2) 7.67 (5) 21.80 (1) 12.48 (4) 0.301 1.113 1.19 6
G6 13.16 (1) 9.02 (4) 18.35 (6) 13.51 (1) 1.422 -0.997 2.18 10
G7 6.78 (4) 7.42 (6) 13.87 (8) 9.36 (7) 0.190 -1.236 1.26 11
G8 2.25 (9) 1.63 (9) 11.26 (9) 5.05 (9) 0.471 -0.391 0.75 10
G9 5.88 (6) 3.82 (8) 17.87 (7) 9.19 (8) 0.778 0.831 1.35 13
Environment mean 6.66 (3) 7.76 (2) 17.83 (1) 10.75

Table 5: Mean total fresh tuber yield (TFTY) (t/ha)of genotypes and locations ranked (in parenthesis) by AMMI model,
IPCA scores, ASV and YSI
Environments Genotype IPCA1 IPCA2
GenotypeIDs ASV YSI
Aiyamontena Bubia Tambul mean score score
G1 8.87 (5) 9.57 (7) 25.32 (7) 14.59 (7) 0.134 0.351 0.423 8
G2 6.63 (8) 12.67 (3) 25.94 (5) 15.08 (5) -1.196 0.063 2.114 11
G3 8.43 (6) 14.13 (2) 27.07 (3) 16.54 (3) -1.080 -0.079 1.909 8
G4 9.10 (4) 15.52 (1) 29.53 (1) 18.05 (1) -1.352 0.345 2.414 9
G5 9.98 (3) 9.75 (6) 26.31 (4) 15.35 (4) 0.341 0.526 0.799 6
G6 14.71 (1) 12.41 (4) 25.54 (6) 17.55 (2) 1.146 -0.805 2.179 9
G7 8.40 (7) 10.47 (5) 21.02 (8) 13.30 (8) 0.094 -1.221 1.233 11
G8 4.76 (9) 3.95 (9) 16.70 (9) 8.47 (9) 0.754 -0.783 1.545 13
G9 10.50 (2) 6.29 (8) 27.32 (2) 14.70 (6) 1.159 1.604 2.601 15
Environment mean 9.04 (3) 10.53 (2) 24.97 (1) 14.85

Table 6: Mean dry tuber yield (DTY) (t/ha) of genotypes and locations ranked (in parenthesis) by AMMI model, IPCA
scores, ASV and YSI
Environments Genotype IPCA1 IPCA2
Genotype IDs ASV YSI
Aiyamontena Bubia Tambul mean score score
G1 3.31 (3) 2.76 (5) 8.19 (1) 4.75 (1) -0.437 0.147 0.52 3
G2 2.31 (8) 4.32 (1) 7.47 (6) 4.70 (3) 0.121 -1.100 1.108 12
G3 2.44 (7) 2.57 (6) 7.69 (3) 4.23 (6) -0.450 -0.188 0.547 9
G4 2.67 (6) 3.19 (2) 8.17 (2) 4.68 (4) -0.482 -0.382 0.669 10
G5 3.64 (2) 2.99 (3) 7.62 (5) 4.75 (2) 0.024 0.200 0.202 3
G6 3.69 (1) 2.88 (4) 6.76 (7) 4.44 (5) 0.479 0.283 0.615 10
G7 3.10 (4) 2.56 (7) 5.57 (8) 3.74 (8) 0.880 0.153 1.016 16
G8 1.75 (9) 1.15 (9) 4.94 (9) 2.61 (9) 0.470 0.178 0.565 13
G9 3.08 (5) 1.37 (8) 7.67 (4) 4.04 (7) -0.605 0.709 0.99 14
Environment mean 2.89 (2) 2.64 (3) 7.12 (1) 4.22

Table 7: Location mean yield (t/ha), environment index, ASV and IPCA scores for tuber yield traits (MMFTY, TFTY &
DTY) across three locations
Location Environment mean Environment index ASV IPCA1
MMFTY
Aiyamontena 6.66 -4.09 2.86 1.989
Bubia 7.76 -2.99 3.47 -1.854
Tambul 17.83 7.08 2.06 -0.135
TFTY
Aiyamontena 9.04 -5.81 3.89 2.1796
Bubia 10.53 -4.32 3.24 -1.667
Tambul 24.97 10.12 2.13 -0.513
TDTY
Aiyamontena 2.887 -1.33 1.23 0.5988
Bubia 2.643 -1.57 1.24 0.6208
Tambul 7.12 2.90 1.39 -1.22

Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
Wera et al. 321

Table 8. Mean tuber number per plant (TNPP), percentages of harvest index (HI %) and tuber dry matter content (TDMC
%) of genotypes across locations
Tuber number per plant (TNPP) Harvest index (%) (HI) Tuber dry matter content (%) (TDMC)
Genotype IDs
Aiyamontena Bubia Tambul Mean Aiyamontena Bubia Tambul Mean Aiyamontena Bubia Tambul Mean
G1 7.17 7.17 9.50 7.75 46.00 45.38 55.42 48.12 37.34 29.27 32.17 33.02
G2 4.46 5.21 8.98 5.87 30.07 41.19 51.51 39.60 34.86 33.17 28.72 32.69
G3 5.71 9.88 12.08 8.86 60.12 63.55 52.40 59.47 29.00 18.23 28.00 24.71
G4 5.33 7.00 13.02 7.88 38.03 51.33 52.33 46.59 28.84 20.67 27.17 25.36
G5 4.80 4.79 6.94 5.33 45.44 37.36 62.45 46.66 36.50 30.60 29.67 32.58
G6 5.46 7.17 9.72 7.16 56.43 41.30 63.22 52.45 25.67 22.67 26.00 24.63
G7 4.21 5.84 9.94 6.25 48.42 36.73 59.52 46.81 36.34 24.41 26.84 29.49
G8 4.42 4.58 8.08 5.39 27.46 25.54 42.23 30.43 36.85 28.46 30.56 32.13
G9 5.55 5.25 9.50 6.42 47.23 36.22 59.32 46.12 29.17 21.83 27.84 26.08
Mean 5.23 6.32 9.75 6.77 44.36 42.06 55.38 46.25 32.73 25.48 28.55 28.96
F-probability (% variation)
Genotype (G) <.001**(14.2 %) <.001**(27.9 %) <.001**(31.2 %)
Environment
<.001**(37.1 %) <.001**(18.5 %) <.001**(25.3 %)
(E)
GxE
interaction 0.024**(6.8 %) <.001**(17.2 %) <.001**(11.2 %)
(GEI)

Table 9. Mean scores of scab disease and gall mite incidences of test genotypes across the three locations
Scab scores Gall mite scores
Genotype IDs
Aiyamontena Bubia Tambul Mean Aiyamontena Bubia Tambul Mean
G1 1.33 1.25 1.17 1.26 2.88 1.00 1.00 1.70
G2 1.00 1.71 1.33 1.35 1.17 1.00 1.00 1.06
G3 2.96 1.75 3.50 2.64 2.71 1.00 1.00 1.64
G4 1.00 1.04 1.00 1.02 2.04 1.00 1.00 1.39
G5 1.00 1.00 1.33 1.08 1.33 1.00 1.00 1.13
G6 2.42 1.13 1.33 1.66 2.46 1.00 1.00 1.55
G7 1.00 1.04 1.00 1.02 1.83 1.00 1.00 1.31
G8 1.00 1.13 1.25 1.11 3.08 1.00 1.00 1.78
G9 1.00 1.58 1.17 1.26 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Mean 1.41 1.29 1.45 1.38 2.06 1.00 1.00 1.40
F-probability (% variation)
Genotype (G) <.001**(35.9%) <.001**(7.4%)
Environment (E) 0.313ns(0.6%) <.001**(30.8%)
GxE interaction (GEI) <.001**(15.3%) <.001**(14.7%)
ns = non significant; **= Significant at 5 % probability by F test.

Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
 Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 322

Table 10. Mean preference scores for six sensory traits and genotypes’ ranking assessed by panelists at 3 test
environments.
Flesh Overall Overall Pair-wise
Environment Genotype IDs Aroma Texture Taste Fibre
Color preference mean rank
Aiyamontena G1 2.50 2.27 2.48 2.61 2.75 2.68 2.55 1
G2 2.52 1.93 2.05 2.59 2.91 2.64 2.44 4
G3 2.05 1.61 1.39 2.11 2.82 2.18 2.03 9
G4 2.48 1.77 1.73 2.36 2.82 2.55 2.28 5
G5 2.27 1.68 1.32 2.27 2.84 2.36 2.13 8
G6 2.32 2.18 2.43 2.48 2.84 2.52 2.46 2
G7 1.91 1.98 2.23 2.14 2.82 2.23 2.22 6
G8 2.59 2.07 2.34 2.45 2.66 2.66 2.46 2
G9 2.36 2.02 1.45 2.27 2.68 2.20 2.17 7
Bubia G1 2.51 1.64 2.41 1.88 2.48 1.93 2.14 5
G2 2.14 1.70 1.98 2.51 2.53 2.51 2.23 1
G3 2.25 2.00 1.61 2.03 2.50 2.00 2.06 8
G4 2.83 1.93 1.52 1.83 2.90 2.00 2.17 4
G5 2.53 2.10 1.25 2.32 2.65 2.32 2.20 2
G6 2.07 1.72 2.18 2.16 2.41 2.03 2.09 7
G7 1.93 1.63 1.95 1.65 2.59 1.83 1.93 9
G8 2.52 1.69 1.64 1.97 2.70 2.22 2.12 6
G9 2.70 1.78 1.95 2.17 2.48 2.14 2.20 2
Tambul G1 2.63 2.16 2.16 2.57 2.60 2.62 2.45 1
G2 2.13 1.75 1.88 2.35 2.92 2.40 2.24 3
G3 2.44 1.78 1.27 2.11 2.84 2.14 2.10 8
G4 2.49 1.79 1.62 2.19 2.89 2.27 2.21 5
G5 2.35 1.79 1.21 2.20 2.95 2.23 2.12 7
G6 2.27 1.81 2.00 2.40 2.60 2.35 2.24 3
G7 2.03 1.59 1.43 2.21 2.73 2.21 2.03 9
G8 2.49 2.05 2.51 2.41 2.87 2.38 2.45 2
G9 2.40 1.97 1.24 2.21 2.84 2.24 2.15 6
SEM 0.04 0.04 0.08 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.03
Mean 2.35 1.89 1.88 2.26 2.73 2.31 2.24
Sensory traits were rated on a 3-point hedonic scale; where 1 = less preferred; 2 = neither preferred nor dislike; 3 = highly
preferred

Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea
Wera et al. 323

Figure 1. AMMI biplot of IPCA 1 scores against MMFTY Figure 2: Circular view of GGE biplot showing
for the test genotypes across 3 environments average environment coordinates (AEC) with
ranking of genotypes based on both yield (MMFTY)
and stability in different environments

Figure 3. Polygon view of GGE biplot for best genotypes

(“which won where”) in different environments for MMFTY

Study of Genotype x Environment Interaction for Sweetpotato Tuber Yield and Related Traits in Papua New Guinea