Evaluation of Seed Yield Stability of Lentil Genotypes by Linear Mixed-Effects Models and Multitrait Stability Index

Abstract

To evaluate performance stability for 13 lentil genotypes, experiments were performed at three locations, Ardebil, Zanjan, and Maragheh, during three growing seasons (2011–2013). Environment, genotype, and interaction of genotype × environment were significantly effective on 100-seed weight, plant height, number of days to flowering, number of days to maturity, rate of seed filling, and single seed weight. Nominal grain yield biplot identified stability of 2, 12, 1, 3, and 6 genotypes with regard to grain yield. According to biplot analysis, Genotypes 1, 3, and 10 not only produced the highest grain yield but also showed the greatest stability in yield production. Genotypes 1, 6, 7, and 13 were identified as highly stable and productive based on grain yield, mean weight stability index, and weighted average of absolute scores of best linear unbiased predictions (WAASB). Genotypes 1 and 7 were best genotypes according to multitrait stability index (MTSI). Harmonic mean of the relative performance of genotypic predicted value (HMRPGV) recognized Genotypes 6, 1, 5, and 3 as highly stable, productive, and adaptable genotypes. In general, Genotype 1 indicated highest grain yield and desirable agronomic traits compared to other genotypes tested, suggesting this genotype as new cultivar.