Phenotypic performance, genetic advance and regression analysis in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes in Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was initiated to explore genetic advance and rate of genetic progress over years of bread wheat genotypes in Ethiopia. Twelve bread wheat genotypes released in between 1995 and 2012 were used as experimental treatments. The experimental treatments were laid out on randomized complete block design with three replications across locations over 2 years. The study was conducted at Adet, Debretabor, Finoteselam, Injibara and Simada in 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons. The combined analysis of variance of genotypes, environments and their interactions showed significant difference (P < 0.05) among bread wheat genotypes for all studied traits. The higher grain yield was recorded on the genotypes Gambo and Ogolcho which showed 47.3% and 39.5% grain yield advantage, respectively, as compared to the older variety Kubsa. In the genetic linear regression analysis over years, only thousand seed weight showed positive significant increment, whereas grain yield, biological yield, days to physiological maturity, plant height and test weight showed positive non-significant increment. The traits spike length and number of seeds per spike showed negative non-significant decrement over years. Therefore, breeders should consider the yield-related traits to bring the desired genetic enhancement as well as to develop demanded genotypes in the future bread wheat breeding investigations.