Performance and Stability Analysis of Selected Durum Wheat Genotypes Differing in Their Kernel Characteristics

Area of Science:

• Agronomy
• Plant Breeding
• Genetics

Background:

• Dry regions globally require high-yielding and stable durum wheat varieties with enhanced kernel characteristics.
• Durum wheat breeding efforts are focused on improving yield and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance and stability of eight durum wheat genotypes with varying kernel traits across 15 contrasting environments.
• To identify superior genotypes for grain yield and kernel quality traits suitable for dry environments.

Main Methods:

• Field trials conducted over three growing seasons under rainfed and supplementary irrigated conditions.
• Evaluation of grain yield (GY), total yield (TW), harvest index (HI), thousand kernel weight (TKW), and kernel-related traits (KA, KW, KL, KC, KL:KW).
• Statistical analyses including ANOVA, GGE biplot, and AMMI for genotype and genotype × environment (G × E) interaction effects.

Main Results:

• Significant variations (p ≤ 0.01) were observed for most traits and G × E interactions, with genotype effects dominating kernel traits (KA, KL, KC, KL:KW).
• Bolenga, Um Qais, and NUR-106 were identified as high-performing genotypes for GY, while Norsi showed the poorest performance.
• NUR-106 demonstrated the highest stability for GY and several kernel traits, including kernel length (KL) and kernel circularity (KC).

Conclusions:

• Genotype and G × E interactions significantly influence durum wheat performance and kernel characteristics.
• NUR-106 is a promising, stable genotype for grain yield and kernel traits, suitable for breeding programs targeting dry regions.
• The study provides critical insights for developing improved durum wheat varieties adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.