Pattern analysis for genotype by environment effects for seed weight and grain yield in pigeonpea hybrids

Genotype by environment interaction effects (GE) were assessed for seed weight and grain yield of 12 pigeonpea genotypes tested in 11 environments. Pattern analysis was applied to identify the grouping of genotypes and environments. For seed weight the genotype grouping was mostly based on the genetic make up of the hybrid or pure line. The environments did not reflect any specific pattern. For grain yield the hybrids and pure lines responded differently as separate groups and hierarchical separations reflected mean performance of genotypes. Environmental and genotype grouping revealed distinct pattern of GE interaction based on soli types. Black and non-black soli environments emerged as two distinct groups discriminating genotypes differently. Hybrids and controls showed specific adaptation to particular environments emphasizing the need to breed for location specific hybrids and select the testing sites and controls carefully.