Stability analysis in advanced generation lines (F5) of Cowpea (Vignaunguiculata (L.)Walp)

Abstract

The 19 F5 lines along with two checks (GC-3, Kokansadabahar) of cowpea were evaluated in a randomized block design, with three replications at Botany farm, College of Agriculture Pune to study their stability across three environments, i.e 24th meteorological week (E1), 38th meteorological week (E2) and 52nd meteorological week. The stability analysis (Eberhart and Russell (1966) model, showed significant genotypic differences for all characters when tested against G x E interaction. Genotype x Environment interaction was significant for number of seeds per plant, 100 seed weight and seed yield indicating that the genotypes interacted with the environments for these characters. The nonlinear effects though significant were of lower magnitude than the linear components indicating the possibility of predication of performance for these characters across the environments. The genotypes, 66 I (days to 50 per cent flowering and days to maturity), 72 I (plant height), 74 I (days to 50 per cent flowering), 59 I (biomass (dry) at harvest) and 15 I (100 seed weight) showed average stability over the environments. Genotype 113 II was found to be stable in poor environments for characters days to maturity, number of branches per plant, pod length, 100 seed weight and seed yield per plant. The genotype 45 I was found to be stable in favorable environments for characters, pod length, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, 100 seed weight, seed yield per plant and harvest index. The first environment 24th meteorological week was found to be suitable for major characters studied.