Genotype x Environment Interaction and Yield Stability Analysis of Early Maturing Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor] Genotypes in East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is the second most important cereal food crop in Ethiopia after maize. However, a number of biotic and a biotic factor are limiting grain yield increase. The present study was done with the objectives of estimating genotype by environment interaction and determining the stable and high yielder early maturing sorghum genotypes suitable for low moisture stress areas of Eastern Hararghe and similar agro-ecologies. A total of six (6) sorghum genotypes including one standard check (Dekeba) were evaluated for three years and two environments during the 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2019/20 main cropping seasons. The experiment was laid out in a Randomly Completed Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and on a plot size of 5 m x 5 m. The combined analysis of variance across environments revealed very highly significant differences among environments, genotypes, and non-significant for G × E interactions of grain yield suggesting no further analysis of the G × E interaction. Analysis of variance revealed that considerable variation for all traits except days to physiological maturity was observed among the genotypes across environment and years. The highest grain yield was recorded from the genotypes of IESV92168-DL (39.15 Qt/ha), 2005MI5064 (37.64 Qt/ha), and 2005MI5081 (37.29 Qt/ha) respectively. These genotypes are also high-yielders and more stable across the environment and thus recommended for verification at on station and on the farmer’s field for possible release.

Keywords: AMMI, Genotype, Sorghum, Stability

DOI: 10.7176/ALST/100-03

Publication date: January 31^st 2024