Multiple centroid method to evaluate the adaptability of alfalfa genotypes

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of multiple centroids to study the adaptability of alfalfa genotypes (Medicago sativa L.). In this method, the genotypes are compared with ideotypes defined by the bissegmented regression model, according to the researcher's interest. Thus, genotype classification is carried out as determined by the objective of the researcher and the proposed recommendation strategy. Despite the great potential of the method, it needs to be evaluated under the biological context (with real data). In this context, we used data on the evaluation of dry matter production of 92 alfalfa cultivars, with 20 cuttings, from an experiment in randomized blocks with two repetitions carried out from November 2004 to June 2006. The multiple centroid method proved efficient for classifying alfalfa genotypes. Moreover, it showed no unambiguous indications and provided that ideotypes were defined according to the researcher's interest, facilitating data interpretation.本研究旨在评估多重质心法（multiple centroids）的应用效能，以解析紫花苜蓿（Medicago sativa L.）基因型的适应性。该方法遵循研究者的研究意向，将待测基因型与通过两段回归模型（bissegmented regression model）构建的理想型（ideotypes）进行比对。因此，基因型的分类工作将依据研究者的研究目标与预设的推荐策略执行。尽管该方法具备颇高的应用潜力，但仍需结合生物学研究场景（即真实实验数据）开展验证。基于此，本研究采用2004年11月至2006年6月期间开展的随机区组试验数据：该试验设置2次重复，共测定92个紫花苜蓿品种的干物质产量，累计开展20次刈割采样。结果表明，多重质心法可有效实现紫花苜蓿基因型的分类。此外，该方法的判定结果清晰无歧义，且通过基于研究者需求定义理想型，可有效简化数据解读流程。