Stability Study of Yield in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Cultivars using AMMI Method

Genotype-environment interaction for plant breeders has been important as it is a complex issue in breeding for high yield varieties and releasing new genotypes. In order to assess adaptability and stability of sunflower varieties in different climate conditions, twelve cultivars were investigated in Karaj, Shiraz, Birjand, Kashmar and Arak in randomized complete block designs with three replications. To study genotype by environment interaction, additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model was used. Analysis of additive main effects (analysis of variance) and multiplicative interaction effects (principal components analysis) revealed that the effect of environment at 1% probability level and effect of genotype - environment interaction at 5% probability level were significant and tow first interaction principal components explained 84% of the interaction sum squares. Biplot of first interaction principle and mean yield revealed that Progress genotype had adequate yield and lowest value for first principle component. Therefore this genotype selected as a high yield and stable genotype; Record and Gabur genotypes were stable and high yield following Progress genotype. AMMI2 graph indicated that Progress, Master and Zargol in Arak and Karaj, Favorit, Record and Azargol in Shiraz, Gabur and SHF81-90 in Kashmar and Armaverski, Lakomka, Zaria and Sor in Birjand had specific adaptability. Among all genotypes, Zaria, Lakomka, SHF81-90, Gabur and Zargol had the highest general adaptability.