Analysis of genotype × environment interaction for seed yield of promising Kabuli type chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) promising lines

One of the most complicated issues in plant breeding programs is genotype by environment interaction. To evaluate seed yield stability of 18 chickpea promising lines, a field experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design with four replications in two cropping seasons (2018-19 and 2019-2020) in four research stations (Maragheh, Kurdistan West Azerbaijan and Hamedan), Iran. Combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) as well as additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) were performed to evaluate the genotype × environment interactions. Combined ANOVA showed that of the total variation, 35.62% were explained by "location" and 36.1% by the interaction effect of "year × location". Whereas, "year" explained only 13.06% of the total sum of squares. Based on AMMI analysis, chickpea seed yield was affected by genotype (7.10%), environment (84.8%) and genotype × environment interaction efect (8.04%). The significance of GEI showed that both the performance and ranking of genotypes fluctuated under the influence of GEI. On the other hand, the sum of squares of GEI showed the existence of cross-interaction between genotype and environment. AMMI analysis divided the GEI sum of squares into two main components. These two main components (IPC1 and IPC2) were significant and collectively accounted for 82.9% of the total variation and are, therefore, sufficient to explain the complex patterns of GE interaction. Genotypes were ranked based on AMMI stability value (ASV), and G3 line was designated as the genotype with highest seed yield stabilty. The AMMI1 model also identified the G5 line with high seed yield stability and performance. On the other hand, the AMMI2 bioplot identified the G11 line as a genotype with high general adaptability and seed yield stability. Among the experimental environments, the highest and lowest seed yields were obtained in E5 and E4 environments (Kurdistan in second year and West Azerbaijan in first year), respectively. According to the results of this study, G5 and G3 lines with seed yield of 941.4 and 911.1 kg.ha-1, respectively, were identified as high yielding with yield stability in all environments.