Agronomic Performance and Grain Yield Stability of Elite Field Pea (Pisum Sativum L.) Genotypes Tested at Various Potential Growing Environments in Ethiopia

Abstract

Field pea is a multipurpose crop. Despite its diverse benefits, its production and productivity in Ethiopia has remained low compared to its potential due to several biotic and abiotic constraints. Hence, this experiment was carried out with the objective to select best field pea genotypes in terms of yield potential, stability, pest resistance and other desirable agronomic traits for high potential production areas of the country. A total of 17 field pea genotypes including two standard checks, Burkitu and Bursa were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications over nine locations in 2019 and 2020 main cropping seasons. The computed analysis of variance showed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) among the genotypes for all studied agronomic traits. One field pea genotype, GPHA-38 found better having 4 and 5%grain yield advantage over the two checks, Bursa and Burkitu, respectively. Additionally, GPHA-38 had comparable performance on the other agronomic traits with standard checks. Moreover, this genotype was found stable in grain yield among the test entries based on GGE biplot stability analysis. However, this genotype may not fulfill the criteria to present as candidate for variety verification trial due to low grain yield advantage and other agronomic traits compared with the checks. Therefore, considering its consistent performance and relatively better yielding capacity, the line GPHA-38 can alternatively be used as a trait donor parent in the pre-breeding programs.