Evaluation of seed yield stability of faba bean genotypes by linear mixed-effects models (LMM)

To evaluate the yield stability of faba bean genotypes among 19 genotypes, an experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications in two cropping years (2015-2017) at four areas (Gorgan, Dezful, Boroujerd and Iranshahr). The effect of environment, genotype and genotype by environment interaction were significant on all traits. Nominal yield plot identified genotypes G13, G12, G2, G9, G6 and G4 as more stable genotypes. Based on biplot analysis, genotypes G12, G16, G14, G9, G6 and G11, in addition to having the highest seed yield, had higher yield stability. Based on different values for seed yield and weighted average of absolute scores of best linear unbiased predictions (WAASB), genotypes G11, G9, G18, G10, G13, G12, G16, G14 and G6 were high yielding and stable. The superior genotypes based on multi-trait selection index (MTSI) were G2, G18 and 6. The harmonic mean, and of the relative performance of genotypic values (HMRPGV) introduced G14, G6 and G9 as genotypes that in addition to high seed yield, also had high stability and compatibility. Overall, based on all analyzes and indices, genotype G6 identified as the most stable genotype and could be a candidate to introduce a new cultivar.