Assessment of genotype-by-environment interactions for seed yield and yield-related traits in oilseed sunflower genotypes under normal and salinity stress conditions.
CONTEXT Sunflower, as a significant source of edible oil worldwide, requires the development of stable and high-yield genotypes, particularly under salinity and adverse environmental conditions. OBJECTIVES This research was conducted with the aim of assessing the stability of seed yield and yield-related traits in 61 sunflower genotypes under normal and salinity stress conditions across two cropping years (2015-2016). METHODS For a more accurate assessment of genotype × environment interactions (GEI) in sunflower, robust statistical methods including mixed model analysis of variance, AMMI and GGE models, weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB), Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI), and parametric and non-parametric stability indices were used and addressed. RESULTS Mixed modeling ANOVA revealed the significant effect of environment, genotype, as well as GEI for seed yield and associated traits, demonstrating different responses of genotypes across environments. The outcomes of various statistical methods showed a high level of consistency. Genotypes 4, 6, 44, 22, and 59 demonstrated high stability and yield. The MTSI identified genotypes 4, 61, 25, 50, 55, 26, 32, 40, and 34 as the most desirable with maximum stability across various traits. CONCLUSION Genotype 4 (270-ENSAT) is introduced as a promising candidate for creating salt-resistant hybrid varieties. SIGNIFICANCE Different stability assessment methods helped in the discovery of superior genotypes that can be used for developing salt-resistant and stable hybrids, thereby establish opportunity for exploiting salt-effected soils for crop production.