Gene - Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis for Yield and Yield Determinant Traits in Castor (Ricinus Communis L)

A field study was conducted at Sardarkrushinagar in North Gujarat during crop season kharif 2012 to know the existence of genotype x environment interaction and stability for yield and yield attributes in three different environments. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated thrice. Stability parameters that are useful tools for identification of genotypes with specific and wide adaptations and contrasting role played by genotype, environments and interaction in varied environments were considered and analyzed. Pooled Analysis of variance over three environments revealed the genotypic variances were highly significant for all the characters including seed yield per plant which indicates considerable genetic variability was present in the population. The three genotypes viz., GCH 4, GCH 6, GCH 7 and parental lines viz., Geeta, 48-1 and VP 1 were found stable across environments. These parental lines may be used in development of population or hybrids in further breeding programme.