Genotype × environment interaction and stability analysis on iron, zinc, and selenium concentrations of lentil genotypes

Abstract

Background: Pulses, particularly lentil (Lens culinaris L.), are an important component of the South Asian diet, and micronutrient biofortification provides a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to combat malnutrition in rural populations. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify stable lentil genotypes with enhanced zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se) concentrations through genotype × environment interaction analyses using multiple stability models. Methods: Twenty-seven lentil genotypes including the check varieties BARI Masur-6, BARI Masur-7, and BINA Masur-7 selected from an initial screening of 152 genotypes were tested in three agroecological locations of Bangladesh, namely Gazipur, Ishwardi, and Jashore. Genotype × environment interactions and stability performance were assessed using the Eberhart and Russell, AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction), and BLUP (best linear unbiased prediction) models. Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes, environments, and genotype × environment interactions for all studied traits. Based on the combined stability analyses, the genotypes LR 9-25 (G13), ILL-5151 (G23), and BARI Masur-7 (G11) exhibited superior stability with higher Se concentration. For Zn concentration, LRIL-22-39 (G25), LRIL-21-109 (G17), LRIL-22-39 (G27), and BARI Masur-7 (G11) demonstrated greater stability across environments. In the case of seed Fe concentration, LRIL-22-39 (G25), X96S/40-50134-12 (G12), ILL-5151 (G23), and LRIL-22-15 (G19) were identified as the most stable genotypes. Furthermore, ILL-5121 (G20), BARI Masur-6 (G3), and LRIL-21-109 (G17) showed higher and more stable seed yield performance across the tested locations. Among the environments, Ishwardi and Jashore were identified as the most suitable and stable locations for lentil cultivation in Bangladesh. Conclusions: The genotypes LRIL-22-39 (G25), LRIL-21-109 (G17), and ILL-5151 (G23) were identified as promising candidates for the development and release of biofortified lentil varieties combining enhanced micronutrient concentration with stable yield performance in Bangladesh.