To ensure genetic gains in popcorn breeding programs carried out under drought conditions knowledge about the response of morphophysiological traits of plants to water stress for the selection of key traits is required. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate popcorn inbred lines with agronomically efficient (P2 and P3) and inefficient (L61 and L63) water use and two hybrids (P2xL61 and P3xL63) derived from these contrasting parents, cultivated under two water regimes (WW watered—WW; and water-stressed—WS) in a greenhouse, replicated five times, where each experimental unit consisted of one plant in a PVC tube. Irrigation was applied until stage V6 and suspended thereafter. Individual and combined analyses of variance were performed and the genotypic correlations and relative heteroses estimated. The water use efficient inbred lines were superior in root length (RL), root dry weight (RDW), and net CO₂ assimilation rate (A), which were the characteristics that differentiated the studied genotypes most clearly. High heterosis estimates were observed for RL, SDW, leaf width (LW), leaf midrib length (LL), and agronomic water use efficiency (AWUE). The existence of a synergistic association between root angle and length for the characteristics A, stomatal conductance (gs), and chlorophyll concentration (SPAD index) proved most important for the identification and phenotyping of superior genotypes. Based on the study of these characteristics, the higher AWUE of the previously selected inbred lines could be explained. The results reinforced the importance of root physiological and morphological traits to explain AWUE and the possibility of advances by exploiting heterosis, given the morphophysiological superiority of hybrids in relation to parents.

The objective of this work was to determine the efficiency of a simultaneous selection for yield, stability, and adaptability of bean genotypes of the carioca and black groups. In the 2016 harvest, two experiments were carried out in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil: one for the carioca group, with 20 genotypes, in the municipalities of Caruaru, Arcoverde, and Belem de Sao Francisco; and the other for the black group, with 12 genotypes, in the municipalities of Caruaru and Arcoverde. The parameters were estimated by mixed models, and selection was performed by the harmonic mean of the relative performance of genetic values, using three strategies: selection based on the predicted genetic value, without interaction; selection based on the predicted genetic value, considering each location; and simultaneous selection for grain yield, stability, and adaptability. The environments affected the phenotypic expression of the carioca bean genotypes, indicating specific adaptation. The average heritability for grain yield showed high values for black bean genotypes, which is a favorable condition for selection, and low values for carioca bean genotypes. The black bean genotypes CNFP 15684, 'BRS Esteio', CNFP 15678, CNFP 15697, CNFP 15695, and 'IPR Uirapuru' show the best performances in the studied environments, simultaneously considering grain yield, adaptability, and stability.

Brazil has great potential to produce bioenergy since it is located in a tropical region that receives high incidence of solar energy and presents favorable climatic conditions for such purpose. However, the use of bioenergy in the country is below its productivity potential. The aim of the current study was to select full-sib progenies and families of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum S.) to optimize phenotypes relevant to bioenergy production through mixed models (REML/BLUP). The circulating diallel-based crossing of ten elephant grass genotypes was performed. An experimental design using the randomized block methodology, with three repetitions, was set to assess both the hybrids and the parents. Each plot comprised 14-m rows, 1.40 m spacing between rows, and 1.40 m spacing between plants. The number of tillers, plant height, culm diameter, fresh biomass production, dry biomass rate, and the dry biomass production were assessed. Genetic-statistical analyses were performed through mixed models (REML/BLUP). The genetic variance in the assessed families was explained through additive genetic effects and dominance genetic effects; the dominance variance was prevalent. Families such as Capim Cana D'África x Guaçu/I.Z.2, Cameroon x Cuba-115, CPAC x Cuba-115, Cameroon x Guaçu/I.Z.2, and IAC-Campinas x CPAC showed the highest dry biomass production. The family derived from the crossing between Cana D'África and Guaçu/I.Z.2 showed the largest number of potential individuals for traits such as plant height, culm diameter, fresh biomass production, dry biomass production, and dry biomass rate. The individual 5 in the family Cana D'África x Guaçu/I.Z.2, planted in blocks 1 and 2, showed the highest dry biomass production.

The interaction of genotype by environment challenges material selection for specific regions. The GGE biplot methodology proves to be effective in detecting and addressing this complexity. This study evaluated the performance of eight maize hybrids in three locations in the North/Northwest of Rio de Janeiro during the winter 2021–2021 and summer 2021–2022 crop seasons. The results were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey’s test, and the GGE biplot analysis, performed represented more than 80% of the total variation. Commercial hybrids (single and double) were more productive and more. adaptable. In contrast, UENF interpopulation hybrids presented lower productivity but higher stability, with lower-cost seeds and being more accessible, especially for producers in the North/Northwest regions of Rio de Janeiro, also becoming the most suitable. The results highlight the importance of stability and adaptability in the selection of cultivars for common corn. The use of UENF hybrids is recommended to optimize production in the region, with the GGE biplot method showing effectiveness in identifying the best genotypes, indicating that the productivity results are consistent with the proportion of heterosis explored, demonstrating that simple hybrids are the most productive, followed by double and interpopulational hybrids.