GRAIN YIELD STABILITY IN CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) ACROSS ENVIRONMENTS

Genotype x environment interaction (G x E) is a major constraint to identify single superior genotype for a number of variable environments. In order to quantify G x E interaction effect on grain yield in chickpea, 16 chickpea genotypes were studied for grain yield at 6 locations for two years using randomized complete block design. Combined analysis of variance showed significant effects of locations, genotypes, years and their interactions on grain yield. The genotypic effects contributed 45.60% and G x E interaction contributed 54.40% to the total sum of squares. The genotypes and environments, each, were divided into four groups on the basis of similarity in their response. None of the genotypic group performed consistently across the environmental groups. The parametric approach and stability parameters indicated that genotypes; G1 (BRC-1), G8 (BRC220) and G9 (BRC-224) were relatively stable in different environments. The results of bi-plot analysis, however, indicated that BRC-4, BRC-62 and BRC-231 were more stable for grain yield as they had lesser interaction with environments as compared to other genotypes.