Analysis of Yield Stability in Diverse Rice Genotypes

Aims/ objectives: This study aims to improve stable and sustainable rice varieties adaptable to changing climatic conditions. It involves assessing genetic variability and Genotype X Environment interaction (G x E) among 186 diverse rice genotypes. The goal is to select genotypes with high breeding value, contributing to the development of rice varieties well-suited to varying climatic conditions.

Study Design: The study employed an augmented design in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Swarna, Madhuraj-55, Safri-17, Improved Samba Mahsuri, Thavalkannan, and IR64 checks were replicated across environments.

Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in College of Agriculture, Raipur, IGKV over two years (wet season-2020 and 2021).

Methodology: Analysis of genetic variability and G X E interaction among 186 rice genotypes. Execution of the experiment in an augmented design with a randomized complete block design. Replication of standard rice checks across different environments. Assessment of yield-attributing traits such as plant height, number of effective tillers, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, biological yield per plot, and grain yield. Evaluation of stability was done using univariate (Shukla stability variance, Wricke’s ecovalence, Kang stability statistic) and multivariate (AMMI yield stability index and GGE biplot) stability parameters. Selection of stable genotypes with high yield based on stability analyses.

Results: Significant phenotypic variation was observed in yield-attributing traits across seasons. Genetic variability and G x E interaction effect demonstrated by variable genotype performance across environments. Univariate and multivariate stability parameters (S2i, W2i, KSi, AMMI stability value, GGE biplot) were used for stability analyses. Identification of stable genotypes with high yield across environments, including IR13f167, ARC13156, IR93354, F50, Ngalongyi, Giza 178, Arc 10159, Sadajira 19-317, Arith, IR 57920-Ac 25-2-B, Pesagro 102, Mekenzie small, Nasaenge, Kula Karuppan, Vary Gony, MR 69, Kanu Dam, IRRI 123, Sativa IRGC17083-1, Kalia, and Swarna.

Conclusion: The study concludes that stability in genotype performance across diverse environments is crucial for the development of sustainable rice varieties. Genotypes with high stability and yield, as identified through stability analyses, hold potential breeding value for developing rice varieties adaptive to climate change. The stable genotypes listed, including IR13f167, ARC13156, IR93354, and others, are recommended for further breeding and development efforts to enhance rice productivity and adaptability.