Estimation of stability parameters for yield and its attributing characters in bread wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) em Thell]

Abstract

Understanding stability for grain yield in combination with the yield attributing traits would help in selecting stable genotypes in wheat, as this is presently required under the changing climatic condition. The present study was conducted with 45 wheat genotypes including two checks (HI 1544 and Raj 4079) under early sown, timely sown and late sown conditions (2022-2023) at the Instructional Agronomy Farm of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, India. The wheat genotypes differed significantly for all the seven morpho-reproductive traits. The G×E interaction was found to be significant for all the traits. In different traits different genotypes were found to be adaptable to favourable and unfavourable environments, created by the different dates of sowing. Overall, timely sown condition was found favorable for major yield component traits along with yield. Regarding stability for grain yield, the cross DBW 110 x WR 544 was identified as ideal and stable genotypes for grain yield per plant and can be recommended for cultivation in various seasons and different growing regions, whereas among all the parents Raj 4079 and GW-2014-596 demonstrated stability in favorable environments. These identified genotypes can be used to improve wheat cultivation and achieve reliable production.