CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) GENOTYPES' ASSESSMENT THROUGH DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS

Screening genotypes based on grain yield stability in different ecological zones is a prerequisite for developing a widely adapted genotype. For this purpose, 16 chickpea desi genotypes' evaluation through cooperative yield trial commenced during 2019-2020 at nine diversified locations across Punjab, Pakistan. Data underwent genotype by environment interaction (G x E) and mega environment analysis. Genotype plus genotype x environment (GGE) biplot view for yield depicted that G-4 (CH -21/13) was the ideal and superior genotype for stability and yield potential. GGE biplot 'what -won- where' for yield formed an irregular polygon showing interconnection among G-3 (CH2016), G-4 (CH -21/13), G-8 (D-17003), G -11(D-17019), G-13 (TG -1427), G-14 (TG -1430), and G-16 (TG -1510), indicating these genotypes were comparatively more stable. Graphical representation of the mega environment analysis illustrated that E-1 (Pulses Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan) was ideal and most discriminating for genotype screening. Results also revealed that the first mega environment's construction included the grouping of E-1 (Pulses Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan), E-2 (Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad, Pakistan), E-3 (Gram Breeding Research Station, Kallurkot, Pakistan), and E-4 (Gram Breeding Research Station, Kallurkot, Barani, Pakistan), with G-4 (CH -21/13) as the winning genotype. Biplot also depicted that G-3 (CH -2016) was best in the second mega environment made by E-6 (Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Pakistan), and G-8 (D-17003) was a winner in E-4 (Gram Breeding Research Station, Kallurkot, Barani, Pakistan). Combined analysis showed that G-4 (CH -21/13), G-8 (D-17003), and G-13 (TG -1427) were the most stable and high -yielding; therefore, these genotypes may considerably be widely adaptive across environments.