Evaluation of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) Genotypes for Yield and Yield Stability in South Omo and West Hararghe

Abstract

Sixteen pearl millet genotypes were evaluated in randomized complete block design with four replications during 2011 at four locations to study the magnitude of genotype by environment interaction for yield and yield related traits and identify the most stable high yielding genotypes.  ANOVA of data at individual location revealed significant differences among genotypes at Jinka ,Konso,Meiso and Weioto for days to flowering, at Jinka, Konso and Meiso for days to maturity, productive tillers per plant, grain weight per head and biomass, and for panicle length at Konso, Weioto and Meiso where as harvest index and stalk weight showed significance at two Weioto and Konso, for plant height at Jinka and Konso and number of tillers per plant and thousand seed weight showed significant only at Jinka. Combined analysis of variance showed that the Genotype and location main effects and the genotype by environment interaction interaction were highly significant (P?0.01) for grain yield and other traits, indicating differential response of genotypes across testing locations and the need for stability analysis. Weioto was the most suitable environment and gave highest mean grain yield of 3307.5231 kg/ha. The lowest yield 1491.23 Kg/ha was observed at Jinka. Genotypes SOSATC88 (8), ICMP97774 (6), MCSRC (5) and ICMV95490 (13) produced high mean yield of 2844.10, 2840.17, 2835.42 and 2725.00 kg/ha respectively. The lowest grain 2056.60kg/ha was obtained from genotype ICMV91450 (1). Five stability parameters were used to identify stable pearl millet genotypes for wide growing conditions. Based on the parameters of stability, three stable (widely adapted) and high yielding genotypes (ICMP97774 (6) MCSRC (5), and ICMV92901 (12) were identified. They also out yield the standard check and have the mean yield above grand mean . These stable high yielding genotypes can be used for yield and verification trial with standard check to be released as widely adapted varieties. GGE biplot techniques was used identify specifically adapted genotypes. ICMV155white (4) was specifically adapted to Jinka, ICMV221 (Br) (11) to Konsso, SRCLLC4 (7) to Meisso and ICMV95490 (13) to Weioto.

Keywords: Genotype by environment interaction, Stability, Pearl millet, Yield