Genotype x environmental interaction in relation to stable genotypes in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.)

Abstract

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is an important medicinal crop of many pharmacopoeal uses [1]. The opium yield is very erratic to environmental changes/ seasonal variations during developmental stages. The stability of varieties over wide range of environment has always been emphasized by breeders as base before releasing an ideal variety for commercial cultivation [2]. In the present study, 22 pure selections obtained through different intraspecific hybridization followed by rigorous selections upto 8 years including BROP-1 as check, were evaluated in randomized block design with 3 replications during 1998-99 to 2000-2001 to find out the genotype x environmental interactions and to identify stable genotypes as variety and also for further use in breeding programme. The plot size was 2.4 m x 1.50 m with 6 rows 30 cm apart. The observation on 20 plants/replication was recorded for seed yield (g) and opium yield (mg). The morphine estimation was done for each treatment over 3 replications following Pride and Stern [3]. Stability analysis was carried out following Eberhart and Russel [4].