Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interactions (AMMI) and genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot analyses aid selection of high yielding and adapted finger millet varieties

Abstract

Background and justification : Lack of stable high yielding cultivars is one of the major bottlenecks for production and productivity of finger millets in Ethiopia. Identification of adaptable, stable and high yielding genotypes under varying environmental conditions prior to release as a cultivar is the first and foremost steps for plant breedingr and this has direct bearing on the adoption of the variety, its productivity and total production of the crop. Objective : The major objectives of the present study were to (i) assess the stability and yield performance of advanced finger millet genotypes evaluated in multiple environments, and (ii) identify stable high yielding candidate cultivar (s) for possible release using different statistical tools. Material and methods : A total of 30 advanced finger millet genotypes were evaluated against two standard checks (Gute and Taddese) across four locations (Arsi Negele, Assosa, Bako and Gute) in 2012 and 2013 main cropping seasons. The trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Summary result and application of the study : Additive Main effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI), Genotype and Genotype by Environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis and, Eberhart and Russell model revealed that Acc. 203544 is stable high yielding (3.16 ton ha-1) with a yield advantage of 13.7% over the best standard check, Gute (2.78 ton ha-1), and thus should be recommended for possible release with wider environmental adaptability. Acc. 242111 (3.08 ton ha-1), Acc. BKFM0051 (3.07 ton ha-1) and Acc.229738 (2.99 ton ha-1) were also high yielding, but showed narrow stability and thus should be recommended for verification and possible release for specific environments. Key words/phrases : Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), Finger millet (Eleusine coracana subsp. coracana), Genotype by Environment Interaction (GEI)