Evaluation of genotype x environment interaction (GEI) on grain yield in durum wheat

Abstract

The wheat is a strategic crop for Mexico; however, its productivity is strongly constrained by environmental variability. Evaluating genotypic performance across multiple environments through genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) analysis enables the identification of materials with greater stability and adaptability, thereby optimizing selection processes in breeding programs. The objective of this study was to assess the GEI for grain yield of 50 durum wheat genotypes evaluated across three environments located in the states of Nuevo León and Coahuila over two agricultural cycles. This evaluation enables the identification and recommendation of higher yielding genotypes for producers in northern Mexico. Experiments were conducted under a randomized complete block design with three replications, and data were analyzed using the AMMI model (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction). Results showed a significant GEI interaction (p ≤ 0.01) for grain yield in durum wheat. The AMMI analysis identified nine stable genotypes (704, 730, 719, 725, 703, 709, 722, 723, and 724) across the three environments, with yields higher than the control 25-41%. In addition, genotypes 747, 748, and 749 combined high mean grain yield with specific adaptation, also outperforming the control variety. Overall, these findings provide robust technical parameters to improve decision-making in selection processes and to support environment-specific varietal recommendations aligned with the productive conditions of interest.