Comprehensive Stability Analysis of Wheat Genotypes through Multi-Environmental Trials

Abstract

In rainfed areas, due to variable environmental factors, improving the yield stability of the introduced cultivars along with increasing yield should be considered. The main aim of this study is to obtain high-yield wheat genotypes that are stable and adaptable to cold climatic conditions in Iran. For this purpose, 25 wheat genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications during three cropping seasons (2013-2016) under supplementary irrigation and rainfed conditions. PBSTAT-GE software was used for genotype × environment interaction (GEI) analysis and comprehensive sustainability analysis. The results showed that G5, G14, G16 and G18 genotypes had good stability and general adaptation based on parametric and non-parametric stability statistics. Combined analysis of variance based on the Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model showed that GEI is significant in the term of grain yield. Also, the ratios between the sum of squares G, GE and IPC1 showed that the AMMI is suitable for data analysis. GGE biplot analysis identified five mega-environments (MEs), in which ME I including E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, and G7, G5, G14, G13, G16, G18, G20 being the superior ME I genotypes. According to AMMI and GGE biplote stability methods, lines G20, G18, G13, G16, G14 and Saein cultivar (G5) can be considered as desirable genetic resources in wheat production programs under variable environments in Iran, due to having the appropriate combination of yield and stability.