Utilization of within location non-replicated multi-locational yield trials and GGE biplot methods for testing adaptability of tea [(Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)] over diverse environments

Selection of tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] cultivars with wide adaptability over diverse environments is an important criteria to get prior information to recommend the cultivar for a particular region. A study was carried out to identify the most adaptable and stable tea genotypes for recommendation in the Up-country tea growing region in Sri Lanka by evaluating several potential tea genotypes for their wide adaptability and stability over diverse environments based on the analysis of GE interaction using within location non-replicated multi-environmental yield trials and GGE biplot methods. Six promising tea genotypes with desirable agronomic traits selected based on preliminary yield trials were evaluated along with a standard check in large scale within location non-replicated multi-locational yield trials at six locations (tea estates) in the Up-country tea growing region in Sri Lanka. The crop yields were recorded by harvesting green leaves in every seven days for three years covering six seasons (1st pruning cycle). Yield data were analyzed by within location non-replicated multi-locational yield trials and GGE biplot analysis. The genotype 272 was identified as the most adaptable and stable genotype followed by 582 and rest of the genotypes showed poor adaptability in the test region.