STABILITY ANALYSIS OF SEED YIELD OF ADVANCED CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) GENOTYPES UNDER TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL RAINFED REGIONS OF IRAN

Evaluation of compatibility and stability of cultivars under different environmental conditions is a particular interest in crop breeding programs. In order to evaluate the seed yield stability of advanced chickpea genotypes under tropical and subtropical rainfed areas of Iran, 18 advanced chickpea genotypes and two check varieties (Adel and Azad) were studied in terms of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in four locations including Gachsaran, Gonbad, Khorramabad and Ilam using GGE biplot analysis during three growing seasons (2014-2017). Results of GGE biplot analysis and which-won-where pattern revealed that the genotype G13 was the most stable genotype for Khorramabad, Gachsaran and Gonbad while it was genotype G12 for Ilam According to average tester coordinate (ATC), the genotype G13 was the most stable one across average test environment. The genotype G13 was also determined as a stable and high yielding genotype among all investigated genotypes and environments. Based on the average yield and Shukla Stability Index, as well as the mean of yield to maximum or Superiority Index (SI), G12, G13 genotypes were superior to the other genotypes in all regions with warm climate and thus be recommended.