Investigation of Grain Yield Stability of Promising Mungbean (Vigna radiata Wilczek var. radiata) Lines

Accurate study on the nature of genotype by environment interaction enables the identification of stable and adaptable genotypes for breeders and it has always been an important issue to address by breeders for the production and release of new sustainable and high-yielding varieties in breeding projects. To study the stability of yield and yield components of seven promising lines of mungbean as well as the check (Parto), three experiments were conducted in an RCBD with three replications in three regions of the country, i. e. Khuzestan (Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Safi Abad, Dezful), Golestan (Agricultural Experiment Station of Gonbad) and Fars (Agricultural Research Station of Zarghan) in 2014-2015 for two years. Each plot consisted of four four-meter-long rows. The traits studied were: the number of branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, plant length, and seed yield. A combined analysis of variance was performed. Because of the significant genotype by environment interaction and, as a result, the different responses of genotypes to various environments, stability indices were calculated to determine the stability of genotypes. To do this, Romer's environment variance, Francis and Kannenberg's environmental CV, and the regression coefficient of Finley and Wilkinson were determined. AMMI analysis was also performed. Based on Francis and Kannenberg's environmental CV and coefficient of Finley and Wilkinson genotypes VC6368 (46-40-4) and VC6371-94, and VC6469 and VC3960 were stable, respectively. Based on the CV of intra-location, VC3960-88 and VC6368 (46-40-4) were stable. According to stability analysis results and considering seed yield, seed weight and other suitable characters, genotypes VC6371, VC6368 (46-40-4) and VC3960-88 were selected for further studies.