Genotype by environment interaction and stability analysis of grain yield in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

Present study was undertaken to estimate the magnitude of genotype × environment interaction (GEI) and to identify stable barley genotypes under normal and late sown conditions. 18 barley genotypes were evaluated in Randomized Block Design in three replications on a plot size of 4m2 (each replication/each environment) under rainfed conditions during two successive Rabi crop seasons in four environments viz., 2017-18 (E1- normal, E2- late) and Rabi 2018-19 (E3- normal, E4- late). Yield stability was analyzed employing Eberhart and Russell’s model (1966) [2] which revealed highly significant differences among genotypes and environments. Mean squares due to environment + genotype x environment interactions (E+GxE) indicated that genotypes interacted considerably with environmental conditions. Further, partitioning of E+G x E effects indicated that E (linear), G x E (linear) components were highly significant for grain yield. Genotypes DWRB 137, RD 2715, BH 902 and RD 2907 had high mean than general mean coupled with regression coefficient close to unity bi = 1 and S2di = 0 and are identified as most stable and desirable barley varieties.