Evaluation of Seed Yield Stability of Chickpea Genotypes Using GGE Biplot Method

In this study, 14 advanced chickpea genotypes selected from regional experiments with Adel and Azad, as control cultivars, were cultivated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in eight environments (Gonbad, Gachsaran, Ilam and Khorramabad in three, two, two and one years, respectively) in Iran during 2017-2020 growing seasons. Combined analysis of variance showed that environment, genotype and genotype by environment interaction (GEI) explained 43.5, 19.8 and 36.7% of the total variation of grain yield, respectively. The first and second principal components accounted for 50.89% and 19.39% of variation, respectively. The polygonal view of biplot showed that genotypes G11, G14 and G9 were the most adaptable genotypes for environments E2, E3, E6, E7, E8, E4 and E5 and G8, G5 and G13 for E1. Based on average tester coordinate (ATC) view, genotypes G11, G5, G13 and G14 were the most stable and high-yielding genotypes. The GGE-biplot based on genotype-focused scaling showed that genotypes G11, G14, G8, G9 and G13, in the circles around the ideal genotype, were the most preferred genotypes. The priority index (PI) showed that in all environments and favourable environments (environments with higher than average grain yields), genotypes G11, G9, G16, G13 and G14 and in unfavourable environments (environments with lower than average grain yields), genotypes G11, G13, G14, G12 and G5 were superior genotypes. Based on different biplot views as well as priority index, genotypes G11, G14 and G5 had grain yields higher than average yield and yield of Adel and Azad cultivars. Further, given their grain yield stability in all environments they can be suitable candidates for introduction of new cultivars.