Phenotypic stability in tartary buckwheat [Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.] under dry temperate condition of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Buckwheat [Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.] is an important catch crop of high altitude, dry temperate regions of Himachal Pradesh, which is cultivated after green pea (Pisum sativum L.). The average yield and sowing time of this crop varies according to environmental conditions from one agricultural situation to another even within the same climatic zone. Hence, stability analysis was carried out among 14 genotypes of tartary buckwheat for identifying stable and high yielding genotypes suitable for dry temperate region of Himachal Pradesh. The experiment was conducted with 14 genotypes of tartary buckwheat during the summer season having almost same date of sowing for four years (1998-2001) at CSK HPKV, Research Sub-Station, Sangla (780 15.016 N, 31 0 25.941 E) having an altitude of 2680m (amsl). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Each plot had 5 rows of 2m length with row-to-row and plant-to-plant spacing of 30 cm and 5 cm, respectively. Recommended cultural practices were followed to raise the crop. The data on seed yield (q/ha), days to 50% flowering and days to maturity were recorded on plot basis, whereas, 10 random plants in each plot were taken to record 100-seed weight (g), plant height (cm) and branches/plant. Stability analysis was carried out as per Eberhart and Russell (1).