GGE biplot tool to identify melon fruit weight stability under different drought conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACT It is difficult to identify superior muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) genotypes due to their interaction in different irrigation regimes, but assessing their interaction with drought is important in identifing stable genotypes. Muskmelon genotypes, procured from the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran, were assessed for response to irrigation level on stability of fruit weight. Irrigation treatment consisted of: 25 (mild), 50 (moderate) and 75% (severe) depletion of available soil water which was indicated as the computational component environment. Performance of genotypes was evaluated as change in fruit weight. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), genotype main effect and genotype × environment interaction (GGE) were used to evaluate genotypes. The AMMI analyses indicated significant GGE for fruit weight. The AMMI stability value indicated genotypes 33, 11, 23 and 28 are stable. The GGE-biplot models indicated irrigation regimes belonged to 1 mega-environment. The GGE indicated genotypes 11 and 28 as the most stable and can be used in creation of hybrids. Based on 75% water depletion, genotype 28 was identified as best due to its stability and yield and would be suitable for crossing and breeding. This methodology uses a biplot to indicate factors genotype main effect and genotype × environment interactions important in genotype evaluation and the interaction of genotypes under different irrigation depletion can be monitored. This method can be used to identify stable genotypes that can be used in arid zones to increase production.