Genotype by Environment (G × E) Interaction and Yield Stability of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties Across Agroecological Regions of Ethiopia

Abstract

Genotype by environment (G × E) interaction obstructs breeding by persuading variations in genotype performance. The aim of the present study was to determine the stability and yield performance of Desi and Kabuli chickpea varieties at different agroecological regions of Ethiopia, using different stability parameters. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) for environments, genotypes, and importantly G × E interaction. AMMI and GGE biplot, AMMI's stability value (ASV) indicate that the Desi chickpea variety Teketay with mean yield of 2225.6 kg/ha (highest) and the variety Dimtu (1603.9 kg/ha) followed by Natoli with mean yield of 2004.9 kg/ha were found to be stable and adaptable to all environments. Similarly, from the Kabuli chickpea varieties, the variety Koka with mean grain yield of 2257.1 kg/ha (highest) and the variety Ejere with mean yield of 1997.6 kg/ha followed by Shasho (1798.59 kg/ha) were found to be stable and adaptable to all environments and should be promoted for production in chickpea-growing areas of Ethiopia. In conclusion, identification of stable improved varieties for the different agroecological regions can assist the producers such as the farmers for the effective chickpea production. This leads to sustainable self-sufficiency of food at the household and country level.