GENOTYPE XENVIRONMENT INTERACTION FOR SEED YIELD IN CHICKPEA

Abstract

Multilocational trials of 16 genotypes of desi and kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were conducted in a number of countries in three seasons at 17 (1981-82), 31 (1982-83), and 22 (1983-84) locations between100 _520 latitudes. Combined analysis of variance for seed yield was done to study the genotype x environment interactions and stability of genotypes. Mean squares for locations, genotypes and genotype X location interactions were significant. Locations and genotype Xlocation interaction varianceswere much higher than those for genotypes. Genotypes exhibited relatively. more interaction with winter-sown. locations than with spring-sown locations. Desi types showed more variation than the kabuli types. The mean squares due to desi and kabuli type interactions were higher than those for either desi or for kabuli types in two of the three years. Yield performance of the Indian kabuli cultivar L550 was comparable with the best desi cultivarK850. Seed size did not appear to influence yield performance and stability. Annigeri, Pant G 114, ICCC 8, L 550 and ILC 482 had relatively high yield with good stability. Implications of these observations in breeding for seed yield and wide adaptation are discussed.