Grain yield stability of durum wheat genotypes in semi-warm rainfed regions

Knowlege of genotype × environment interactions helps breeders to select the best genotypes for different regions.The main objective of this research was to obtain high yielding durum wheat genotypes selected from several elite lines so that can be compatible to climatic conditions of the tropical and subtropical rainfed regions and superior to check varieties. In this research, 16 durum wheat genotypes selected from advanced yield trials along with two check cultivars, Dehdasht and Seimareh, were studied in a randomized complete block design with four replications for three cropping seosons (2013-2016) in four locations (Gachsaran, Gonbad, Khoramabad and Moghan). Combined analysis of variance indicated that main effects of genotype, year and location and interactions of year × location and genotype × year × location were significant at 1% probability level. AMMI analysis of variance also showed that the first four principal components were significant and explained about 81% of the total variance of genotype × environment interaction. The highest grain yield was observed in genotype 6 (3592 kg.ha-1) and the lowest in genotype 18 (3229 kg.ha-1). Environments 10, 8, 11 and 12 with long vectors had high resolution ability. The results of this study based on AMMI indices showed that genotypes 3, 5, 6, 13 and 15 with higher grain yield than the total mean in most environment were stable and superior genotypes in this experiments. Among them, genotype 13 with suitable general adaptability can be a promising genotype and a candidate to introduce a new cultivar for tropical and subtropical rainfed areas.