Stability of yield and other important traits of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat) Cultivars using graphical GGE biplot method

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) as the king of flowers is one of the most important cut flowers, pot and medicinal plants in the world. Plant genetic resources, in addition to the infrastructure for agricultural development, it serves as a source of genetic adaptation and as a protection against environmental changes. Therefore, evaluation of genetic diversity and adaptation of cultivars in Iran with water deficit conditions (moderate and severe stress) is necessary for further identification of germplasm and success of breeding programs of this plant. This research was carried out to investigate the compatibility of 30 cultivars of Chrysanthemum, by studying the morphology of flower and leaves and flower yield in two regions (Khorramabad and Beiran-Shahr) of Lorestan province.

This experiment as the first study, was conducted to investigate the compatibility and stability flower yield and other important traits flowers and shrubs of 30 cultivars of Chrysanthemum in a randomized complete block design with three replications in (Khorramabad and Beiran-Shahr) of Lorestan province. Experimental errors were homogeneous in two locations, therefore; composite variance analysis was performed in two regions. To determine sustainable cultivars also non-parametric ranking method, AMMI and and GGE biplot multivariate methods were used to evaluate stable cultivars to select the best cultivars in two regions.

The results of composite variance analysis showed significant effect of cultivars that indicating the genetic difference among the cultivars under study. For most important morphological traits, cultivar × location interaction effects were statistically significant at 1% level. Considering that the interaction effects of cultivar × location on flower yield were significant, so the stability of the cultivars could be analyzed. According to the results, Flower yield per plant Elmira2 and Shekarnaz cultivars with 918 and 828 gr per plant, respectively, and in terms of early flowering and plant height, they were superior to other cultivars. According to this method, Tanaaz, Andia, Fariborz, Darya 2 and Farahnaz cultivars with higher average yield rating and standard deviation, they had lower stability. GGE biplot results showed that cultivars Elmira2, Mani 2, Paridokht, Farahnaz, Golnar, Taban3, Oran and Fariba in Beiran-Shahr and Elmira2, Tanaz, Farahnaz, Nadia2, Golgis, Oran, Taban3, Nastaran and Kimia 3 cultivars in Khorramabad region, they were recognized as superior cultivars for important ornamental traits. Cluster analysis of cultivars at Euclidean distance of 17.71, were categorized into three main groups.

Finally, based on results of stability of flower yield in plant and interaction of genotype in environment based on non-parametric AMMI and SHMM methods, Elmira2 and Shekarnaz cultivars, were identified as stable cultivars in two regions. GGE biplot results showed that cultivars Elmira 2, Oran, Taban 3 and Farahnaz were the best cultivars in the two regions. Understanding the nature of genotype × environment interaction effects will help breeders to evaluate the cultivars more accurately and select superior cultivars in terms of stability, flower yield and important morphological traits in breeding programs.