Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding (The)

Stability parameters, as proposed by Finlay and Wilkinson (1963) and Eberhart and Russell (1966), in respect of the quality characters thousand kernel weight, dye-binding capacity, sedimentation value and flour recovery were studied using 16 wheat varieties grown under six different environments. Except for the D.B.G. value all other characters showed marked differences in the stability performance of the varieties. Of the 16 varieties studied, NP. 852 proved to be of below average stability and, therefore, specifically adaptable for favourable environments for thousand kernel weight, D.B.C. and flour recovery characters. Varieties E-4783 and Kalyan Sona were having above average stability and were, thez-efore, specifically adaptable to unfavourable environments for TKW, D.B.C. and flour recovery characters. The varieties E-4870 and S 227 were of average stability but while the former was well adaptable at all environments for D.B.C, sedimentation value and flour recovery, the latter was poorly adaptable at all environments for thousand kernel weight D.B.C, and sedimentation value. Among the six environments, Delhi (1968–69) R₂ was poorest or near poorest, for all the characters apparently due to the higher concentration of salts in the soil. It appears from the present study that number of environments and varieties should be increased for a conclusive study of the stability features of quality characters.