GGL biplot analysis of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum spp. durum) yield in multi-environment trials

M. Mohammadi, N. Sabaghnia, R. Karimizadeh

Abstract: Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum spp. durum) breeders have to determine the new genotypes responsive to the environmental changes for grain yield. Matching durum wheat genotype selection with its production environment is challenged by the occurrence of significant genotype by environment (GE) interaction in multi environment trials (MET). This investigation was conducted to evaluate 20 durum wheat genotypes for their stability grown in five different locations across three years using randomized completely block design with 4 replications. According to combined analysis of variance, the main effects of genotypes, locations and years, were significant as well as the interactions effects. The first two principal components of the site regression model accounted for 60.3 % of the total variation. Polygon view of genotype plus genotype by location (GGL) biplot indicated that there were three winning genotypes in three mega-environments for durum wheat in rain-fed conditions. Genotype G14 was the most favorable genotype for location Gachsaran and the most favorable genotype of mega-environment Kouhdasht and Ilam was G12 while G10 was the most favorable genotypes for mega-environment Gonbad and Moghan. Ideal environment view of GGL biplot showed that location Gachsaran is more desirable test location than the other locations and genotype evaluation in this location maximizes the observed genotypic variation among genotypes for grain yield of durum wheat. Application of GGL biplots facilitated visual comparison and identification superior durum wheat genotypes for each target locations.

Keywords: durum wheat; genotype by environment interaction; GGL biplot analysis; multi-environment trials; yield stability

Date published: 2019-02-20