Evaluation of the yield and quality stability of chilli genotypes by employing AMMI, GGE and MTSI techniques

Abstract

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) show considerable variation in their response to diverse agro-climatic conditions. The present study evaluated chilli genotypes for stability of yield and quality traits across three contrasting environments of Himachal Pradesh during 2022. The study was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications each at each environment and comprised 21 F1 hybrids, 7 parental lines including one check. AMMI and GGE biplot analyses, together with WAASB/WAASBY and MTSI, were employed to assess genotype performance, stability and multi-trait response. Pooled and AMMI analyses of variance revealed significant G × E interaction (GEI) for red ripe fruit yield, oleoresin and total soluble solids. NHPCH16 and NHPCH20 received consistent support across the yield-focused analyses by combining favourable mean fruit yield with comparatively stable performance, while NHPCH20 was additionally selected through the multi-trait analysis. These genotypes therefore emerged as promising candidates for further evaluation. GGE environment evaluation identified Nauni as the most discriminating environment and Dhaula Kuan as the most representative environment for red ripe fruit yield. At approximately 15% selection intensity, MTSI selected NHPCH20, DKC-8, Punjab Guchhedar and NHPCH21 based on simultaneous consideration of all nine traits. MTSI produced selection differentials in the desired direction for seven of the nine traits. Further multi-year and multi-location testing is required to confirm the temporal stability and broader adaptation of the promising genotypes for yield and quality traits.