Fast selection opportunity of salt tolerant guar bean genotypes with GGE biplot method

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study, 81 guar bean genotypes developed in Turkey were tested in the germination stage under saline conditions, and Genotype-Genotype-Environment (GGE) biplot method was used to identify salt tolerant and sensitive genotypes. In the study, irrigation waters with six different Electrical Conductivity (ECi = 0.5 [control], 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 dS m−1) levels were used. Split-plots experimental design was used in the study, and it was carried out in a laboratory environment with three replications. A dry-weight-based stress tolerance index (STI) was calculated for each ECi level. Salt treatments were considered as environments in GGE biplot analysis conducted for genotype selection based on salt concentrations. Seedling dry weight of some genotypes significantly decreased after 8 dS m−1 level and such decreases were more remarkable in the other genotypes after 12 dS m−1 level. It was concluded that ECi = 8 dS m−1 level could be used for selection of genotypes with moderate salt tolerance and high adaptation capacity and ECi = 12 dS m−1 level could be used for selection of genotypes with a high salt tolerance and special adaptation capacity. It was also concluded that the GGE biplot method quite facilitated the selection of genotypes tolerant to abiotic stressors, especially to salt stress.