Genotype by environment interaction and stability analysis for grain yield of lentil genotypes

The lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important cool-season crop and a valuable source of dietary protein and ranks seventh among grain legumes. Genotype by environment (GE) interaction is considered to be among the major factors limiting the efficiency of breeding programs. Eight improved lentil genotypes from the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), one commercial cultivar (‘Gachsaran’), and one local landrace were evaluated at five locations in two growing seasons. The combined analysis of variance for grain yield of the 10 lentil genotypes showed mean squares of location, genotype, year × location, genotype × location and genotype × year × location were significant. According to coefficient of variation (CV) and stability variance (SHUK) parameters, genotype G7 was the most stable one while based on priority index (PI), desirability index (DI) and regression linear model, genotypes G8 and G9 were the most stable ones. The partitioning general pattern of relationships among stability parameters and lentil genotypes through principle component (PC) analysis indicated that the first two PCs explained 79% (PC1 = 55% and PC2 = 24%) of the total variation. Plotting the scores of the first two PCs in one graph indicated that DI and PI stability parameters were grouped with mean yield and showed dynamic stability. Therefore, these statistics are acceptable for agronomists who prefer to use a highyielding genotype. Finally, the best genotypes in this study were G8 (ILL 6037) and G9 (ILL 6199) which produced high mean yield and were the most stable based on the most stability statistics and therefore recommended for release as commercial cultivars.