Genotype × environment interaction analysis for identifying stable high-yielding sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) lines
Abstract
The present investigation was undertaken to identify stable and high-performing sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes for use as parents in breeding programs. A total of 60 genotypes, including three standard checks (AKT-64, AKT-101 and PKV-NT-11), were evaluated across three environments during the kharif 2019 season at Nagpur, Akola and Selsura. Eleven quantitative traits were analysed to assess stability using the Eberhart and Russell model. Stability analysis revealed significant genotypic differences for days to maturity, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, capsule length, 1000-seed weight, oil content and seed yield per plant. The combined effects of environment and genotype × environment (G × E) interaction, as well as the linear component of the environment, were highly significant for all studied traits. The G × E (linear) interaction was also highly significant for days to maturity, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, capsule breadth, capsule length, oil content and seed yield per plant, indicating differential genotypic responses to environmental changes. Significant pooled deviations were observed for days to 50 % flowering, plant height, number of capsules per plant, 1000-seed weight, number of seeds per capsule, oil content and seed yield per plant, suggesting the presence of non-linear responses. Based on stability parameters, several genotypes exhibited desirable performance across environments. Genotype EC-370382 was found stable for number of seeds per capsule and seed yield per plant. IC-203883 showed stability for number of capsules per plant and seed yield per plant, while IC-204054 was stable for days to 50 % flowering and oil content. IC-204058 demonstrated stability for days to 50 % flowering and 1000-seed weight. SI-3299-A was stable for 1000-seed weight and oil content, SI-3278 for number of branches per plant and seed yield per plant and IS-520 for number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and seed yield per plant. These stable genotypes can be effectively utilised in breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding and widely adapted sesame varieties.