GGE biplot analysis for identification of ideal cultivars and testing locations of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.R. Br.) for peninsular India

Pearl millet is a climate resilient crop grown by resource poor farmers. Identification of the ideal genotypes for broad and specific adaptation and ideal locations for testing in peninsular India (classified as B-zone) will address the needs of farmers and researchers working in this region. In the present study, performance of eight hybrids and four varieties over seven locations across three rainy seasons (2017-2019) was investigated using GGE biplot analysis. Location attributed higher proportion (59.3–89.9%) of the variation for eight traits, while genotype and genotype×environment interaction accounted for 57 to 65% of total variability for grain and dry fodder yields. The hybrids 86M86, KSB and NBH5061 are identified as ideal genotypes for cultivation across B-zone. Majority of the testing locations were highly correlated with Vijayapura, which is most discriminative and representative location. ‘Which-won where’ study partitioned the testing locations into two mega-environments: first with four locations with 86M01 as winning genotype and second encompassed three locations with KSB as the winning genotype. The Vijayapura, Ananthapuram and Dhule locations were identified for initial testing of genotypes. Hybrid advantage over varieties for grain and fodder yields was clearly observed from the study.