Genotype × Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis for Yield in Desi Type Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea is a member of family fabaceae. Among the pulses it is considered as the third most important pulse. Its unstable performance is still one of the major problems due to G × E interaction. These interactions complicate the selection of stable, high-yielding genotypes, thereby posing challenges for breeding programs aimed at improving yield stability under diverse agro-climatic conditions.

G × E interaction and stability analysis were carried out in eight different environments with two different dates of sowing at two different locations for total 50 genetically diverse genotypes of desi chickpea.

The pooled analysis of variance shows availability of significant difference among genotypes for all the characters under study. E+ (V × E) found significant for all the characters expect secondary branches/plant and harvest index. Mean squares due to non- linear and linear components of genotype × environment interaction were significant for all the characters under study. V × E were significant for all the characters under study except days to maturity, secondary branches/plant, biological yield/plant, harvest index and grain yield/plant, apart from this Var. × Env. (Linear) were significant for all the characters except secondary branches/ plant and harvest index. Pooled deviation was significant for all the characters except primary branches/plant. Genotypes, ICCV15112, BRC-3, BRC-7, BRC-9, BRC-1047-33, BRC-1009-84, BRC-1048-15, PBC501, SAKI9516 and Phule G13110 were the most stable based on mean seed yield, regression coefficient and deviation from regression and are adapted to the diverse planting condition. Hence, it is concluded that the genotypes ICCV15112, BRC-1047-33, BRC-1009-84, BRC-1048-15, PBC501, BG3043 and PhuleG13110 were found highly stable and adapted to the diverse environments and could be included in the hybridization program.