Genotype × environment interaction and stability of grain yield and selected quality traits in winter wheat in Central Asia

Abstract

High grain yield and improved quality determine the commercial success of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties in Central Asia. This study was conducted to determine the effect of environment on grain yield, 1000-kernel weight (TKW), test weight (TWT), protein, and gluten content, and to identify superior wheat genotypes for yield and quality. Thirty winter wheat genotypes were evaluated in 3 years (2010–2012) over multiple locations. A genotype and genotype × environment interaction biplot analysis was used to determine the superior genotypes. There were significant effects of environment and genotype × environment interaction on yield and quality traits. The 30 wheat genotypes showed variations for grain yield (3.7–5.6 t ha–1), TKW (33.6–42.4 g), TWT (753–797 g/L), protein (13.3%–14.8%), and gluten (27.2%–29.5%) content. There was a significant positive correlation between grain yield and TKW in three out of seven environments. There was no correlation of grain yield with TWT, protein, and gluten content with one exception. There were different sets of five most superior genotypes for individual traits. However, certain genotypes were superior based on grain yield and quality traits. Gozgon, Elomon, ID800994.W/Vee//Lagos-12, Jaikhun, and Kroshka were the five most superior genotypes for four quality traits. Elomon, Gozgon, Jaikhun, ID800994.W/Vee//Lagos-12, and Kiriya were the five most superior genotypes based on grain yield, TKW, TWT, protein, and gluten content. This study demonstrates success in wheat breeding for combined high yield and improved quality in winter wheat. This study provides information on the combined stability of high yield and improved quality of the internationally important winter wheat genotypes. Therefore, the results of this study could be valuable for national and international winter wheat breeding programs to develop new varieties with high stable grain yield and quality.