The evaluation of genotype-environment interaction in red beet varieties of VIR collection

The article presents the results of ecological and geographical study of table beet samples of the VIR collection. The study was carried out between 2014 and 2016 in three stations located in different soil and climatic zones of the Russian Federation: in Leningrad, Moscow and Krasnodar regions. The main attention is paid to the interaction of the genotype and the environment, as the main reason for the considerable variability in the yield of table beet varieties when growing them in different ecological and geographical zones. Today the search and creation of an initial hlgh-yielding and versatile material for breeding of adaptive beet varieties is one of the most important trends in the table beet breeding programs. The article describes the evaluation of the factors of time and place of cultivation on yield. The factors that make the greatest contribution in the formation of yield are identified. Significant variability in the yield of collection samples, depending on the cultivation zone, was noted. Samples for the intensive type of cultivation in different zones are identified. The variety of table beet for inclusion in breeding programs, as a source of adaptability and high yield is recommended. The variety of table beet «Perfected Detroid Dark Red» (Canada) is recommended for inclusion in breeding programs as a source of adaptability and high yield.