Genotype by Environment Interaction and Grain Yield Stability Analysis for Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Genotypes in Southern Ethiopia

Solomon shibeshi; Muluneh Mekiso

Abstract

The productivity of bread wheat varieties affected by many factors including the agro-ecology of the growing area. It is important to test the adaptability and yields of released varieties in multi-location for their productivity. This study was designed to evaluate the yield potential and stability of bread wheat varieties across locations. A total of fourteen recently released bread wheat varieties were evaluated during 2019 and 2020 main cropping seasons at three locations. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications were used for the experiment. The gross plot area was 3m2 (2.5m X 1.2m) and each plot consisted of six rows spaced 20cm apart. Based on the analysis of variance genotypes (G), environments (E) and their interaction (GEI) were highly significant for many of the traits considered including grain yield. The highest average grain yield 3720 kg/ha was recorded from Wane variety while the smallest 2590 kg/ha was recorded from Dereselegn variety. The first two principal component axes (PC1) and (PC2) of the AMMI model explained 63.78 % and 26% respectively. Thus, these two axes accounted for 89.77 % of the total G x E interaction sum of squares for grain yield. Based on the two analyses AMMI and GGE-biplot models, Biqa and wane, characterized by high yield and stability, the Biqa close to ideal genotype, so this variety is adaptable for a wide range while kakaba genotype provided high yield but not stable thus it was adapted to specific environment. Bulluk and Dereselegn genotypes were exhibited a lower score for both yield and stability. It was moreover suggested that the evaluation of wheat genotypes for grain yield under multi- locations should be carried out to exploit more yield potential.

Abstract

Keywords