Genotype by environment interaction analysis for grain yield of Chickpea genotypes using AMMI and GGE biplot models

In the present study, 18 lines and cultivars of chickpea were evaluated in three cold dryland stations including Maragheh, Kurdestan and Shirvan for three years (2014-2016). Results showed that the environments, genotypes and genotype × environment interaction effects were significant. Interaction analysis using the AMMI model indicated that the two principal components (IPCAs) significantly accounted for 67.9% of the total variation. However, these two components accounted for about 65% of the changes in the GGE biplot method. Evaluation of genotype yield stability using AMMI statistics were very similar to AMMI2 biplot. This similarity was also partially observed between the AMMI and GGE biplot methods. In both models the environments were subdivided into groups with separate superior genotypes and the behavior of some sites in the selection of genotypes was similar across years, while in some other sites it was different. Therefore, it is concluded that the reproducibility pattern of superior genotypes in each site is challenging under dryland conditions. Control cultivars of Samin, Gazvin and Jam showed good grain yield and stability. Although, the ability to select high yielding and stable genotypes among the lines was poor compared to control cultivars. However, genotypes 1, 3, 6, 12 and 14, due to their high yield, can be used in specific adaptation and suitable genetic sources for introducing drought and cold tolerant cultivars in the studied fields.