Genotype-Environment Interaction and Phenotypic Stability Analysis for Grain Yield of Durum Wheat in the Central Anatolian Region

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to assess genotype-environment (GE) interaction and to determine stable durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum Desf.) genotypes for grain yield in the Central Anatolia. Thirteen durum wheat genotypes were evaluated under rainfed conditions using a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. The study was repeated for 2 years and at 3 different locations around Central Anatolia, Turkey. GE interaction was analyzed using linear regression techniques. There was considerable variation for grain yield among both genotypes and environments. Stability was estimated using the Eberhart and Russell method. According to the stability analysis, genotype 10 was the most stable for grain yield. The regression coefficient (bi) for genotype 10 was almost unity (bi = 1) and had one of the lowest deviations from regressions (s2di). The coefficient of determination (Ri2) for genotype 10 was as high as 0.98, confirming its stability. In contrast, genotypes 2, 7, 8, 11, 12 and 13 showed regression coefficients greater than 1.0, indicating sensitivity to environmental changes for grain yield. Among the genotypes, the highest grain yield was obtained from genotypes 12 and13 (3.49 t ha-1 and 3.38 t ha-1) across environments. These genotypes (12 and 13) had deviations from regression values (s2di) around zero, suggesting that they were responsive to changing environments and could be recommended for favorable environments.