Yield Productivity and Stability of some Varieties of Egyptian Clover

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to study the productivity of fresh and dry forage yield and stability parameters of five varieties of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). Five varieties (Helaly, Sakha 4, Giza 6, Gemmiza 1 and Serw1) were sown on three sowing dates (1st October, 15th October and 1st November) in a split plot design. The experiment was conducted at two experimental stations, Sids and Giza during 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 seasons. Five cuts were taken from the first and second dates of sowing wile only four cuts were taken from the third sowing date. Results revealed that mean squares of varieties, dates of sowing, varieties x dates and varieties x locations were highly significant for total fresh and dry forage yields. As an average performance of all varieties, total fresh and dry forage yields were higher at Sids compared to Giza. The highest fresh and dry forage yields of varieties were obtained from the first and second dates of sowing at the two locations while the lowest fresh and dry forage yields for varieties were obtained from the third sowing date. As an average sowing dates, Helaly variety out yielded of fresh (54.83 fad-1) and dry (8.17t fad-1) yields other tested varieties. The estimates of phenotypic stability parameters (bi and s2di) for fresh yield showed that the highest yield variety Helaly exhibited less instability while the variety Gemmiza 1 was more stable. The estimates of phenotypic stability parameters (bi and s2di) for dry yield showed that the highest yield and stable variety was Helaly. Therefore, these varieties Gemmiza 1 and Helaly could be recommended as good source in breeding programs.