Adaptation of oat genotypes in organic and conventionally managed fields in the northwestern Himalayas

Abstract

AbstractDeveloping stable and high‐yielding crop varieties is crucial for sustainable agriculture. The present study investigated genotype × environment interactions (GEIs) in 96 oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes across five environments (year–production system combinations) using an alpha lattice design. Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis revealed significant genotype, environment, and GEI effects on the studied traits. The oat genotypes were grouped into four distinct clusters and even genotypes from the same source were grouped into different clusters, indicating a wide range of diversity. Stability indices have highlighted genotypes coded as G33, G4, and G5 as the most stable across environments. Specifically, concerning seed yield, the AMMI analysis identified G33, G4, G5, and G82 as highly stable genotypes. Moreover, the study observed specific adaptations, such as G29 in E1 (conventional system 2019–2020), G76 in E3 (conventional system 2020–2021), and G54 and G77 in E4 (organic system 2020–2021). The genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis unveiled that environment E3 (conventional system 2020–2021) emerged as the ideal environment, demonstrating the highest level of representativeness and discrimination. By utilizing the polygon view of the GGE biplot, the presence of two distinct mega‐environments (MEs; ME1 and ME2) was revealed in relation to seed yield. Within these MEs, genotypes coded as G2 and G38 in ME1 and G20, G72, G85, and G89 in ME2 exhibited specific adaptations. Furthermore, genotypes coded as G89, G95, and G82 exhibited both stability and high mean seed yield. By combining stability indices, AMMI, and GGE biplots, widely adapted genotypes have the potential to promote sustainable agricultural practices.