A method to verify the continuance of check varieties in multilocation yield trials – A case study in wheat

Abstract

Three statistical tools, namely relative yield, yield responsiveness and Eberhart and Russel’s parameters, were used for assessing the performance of three wheat check varieties used for evaluation of coordinated multilocation yield trials. Relative yield indices over locations and over years revealed that the check HD2687 was the most stable one, while PBW343 showed above optimum performance and HD2329 showed below optimum performance. In responsiveness for yield, HD2687 showed stable responsiveness, while PBW343 showed higher responsiveness and HD2329 recorded low responsiveness. The study revealed that among the three check cultivars, HD2329 may be removed as a check due to its low yield performance, while HD2687, showing desirable features of responsiveness along with yield stability and PBW343 having high responsive attributes, should be continued as checks in the years to come. The continuance of check cultivars for multilocation yield testing should be based on the relative yield stability and responsiveness characteristics.