Interpretation of Varietal Response to Rice Leaf Blast by G$\times$E Analysis with Reduced Number of Nursery Test Sites

Blast severity data of 39 rice varieties at 11 sites in Korea from 1997 to 1999 were analyzed using AMMI model and pattern analysis. Genotype x Environment (G$\times$E) interaction sum of squares (SS) accounted for 12 % of the total SS. Eight genotype groups and seven location groups were identified based on blast reaction pattern. The data obtained from over 21 sites with 44 test varieties from 1981 to 1996 were also considered. These were compared with the 1997-1999 data using the G$\times$E analysis results. Majority of the variability in the Korean Rice Blast Nursery (KRBN) were attributable to variations due to genotypes. Variations of G$\times$E interaction were maintained though test sites were reduced from 21 to 11 sites. Broadly compatible biological discriminative varieties identified were Nagdongbyeo and Akibare while broadly incompatible biological discriminative varieties identified were Hangangchalbyeo and Seogwangbyeo. Key sites for future evaluation work could be selected from location groups. Each location group should be represented by the site with the strongest interaction pattern. Blast responses in Cheolwon, Gyehwa, Suwon, Iksan, and Icheon showed different patterns from other locations.