Identification of stable lentil genotypes through genotype by environment interactions on yield potential in Morocco

Abstract

Genotype by environment (G×E) interaction study becomes essential for selecting high and stable yielding genotypes. Altogether 64 lentil genotypes representing improved varieties, landraces and advanced lines were evaluated under 6 environments for green cover, phenological characters, grain yield and 1000 seed weight. Variance analysis revealed highly significant effects of genotype, environment and genotype by environment interaction for all studied traits. The environment had the greatest effect with 75.7% of the total sum of squares. AMMI-GGE biplot identified 3 mega-environments where Z32 advanced lines were performed in the first one (E1, E4 and E5); Z33 was the best in the second mega-environment (E2 and E3), of which E2 (SAD18) was characterized as discriminating and representative environment for selecting adaptable genotypes. While VR4 and LR4 were the winning genotypes in the third mega-environment represented by E6. According to 7 stability methods, Z33, Z32, Z31, Z13 and G03 lines were the most stable and resilient in all environments. In addition, five landraces (PA6, LR4, LR10, LR6 and PA1) showed a high yielding potential that could be used as a source of genotype candidates to develop novel resilient varieties of lentils. Varieties VR9 was recommended for both favorable and unfavorable environments, VR6 for unfavorable and VR3 for favorable environment. Otherwise, genotypes were grouped into 3 clusters with 90% of similarity. The third one gathered the highest yielding genotypes (Z33 and Z32), which were the most stable that could be promoted for developing resilient varieties for climatic changing environments.