Genotype X Environment Interaction in Niger (Guizotia Abyssinica Cass)

Eleven elite genotypes of niger were evaluated against national check variety IGP 76 over thirteen locations across the country for their seed yield performance. Genotype x environment interaction was found significant. On partitioning it into linear and non-linear components, both were responsible for expression of the trait. However, linear component was found larger in magnitude than the non-linear component; suggesting that, the variation in the performance of different genotypes could be predicted. On examination of individual parameters of stability for seed yield, it is concluded that five genotypes viz; JNS 26, BNC 120, NRS 2000-1 and IGP 76 possess average stability whereas genotypes Sel. 66-1 and JNS 25 were possessing below average stability. Thus, these genotypes should be included in the hybridization programme to converge the stability characteristic of seed yield for development of a stable variety adapted to a wide range of environments across the country and to achieve a quantum jump in niger production and productivity. It was revealed from the study of association among the stability parameters that significant positive correlations of mean performance with regression coefficient, deviation from regression, coefficient of determination and ecovalence were observed indicating that the genotypes with high yielding ability were in general responsive to favourite environmental conditions. Non significant correlation of regression coefficient with deviation from regression indicates that the nonlinear component of G x E interaction of a genotype was independent of its linear response. Thus, the stability parameters appear to be under the control of different gene or genes in combination in niger crop.