Genotype vs. Environment

Environment will influence most grain traits. When variation in a trait is caused more by differences in the environment the plants are grown in than by genetic differences among those plants it can be difficult for the breeder to select a desired genotype. Growing plants in a uniform environment can help. The breeder may also need to know if conditions they can control such as irrigation or fertilization help to maximize the expression of the trait in desired genotypes. Therefore, plant breeders are often partners in studies designed to understand the role of environment in the expression of grain traits.