Screening genotypes based on grain yield stability in different ecological zones is a prerequisite for developing a widely adapted genotype. For this purpose, 16 chickpea desi genotypes’ evaluation through cooperative yield trial commenced during 2019–2020 at nine diversified locations across Punjab, Pakistan. Data underwent genotype by environment interaction (G × E) and mega environment analysis. Genotype plus genotype × environment (GGE) biplot view for yield depicted that G-4 (CH-21/13) was the ideal and superior genotype for stability and yield potential. GGE biplot ‘what-won-where’ for yield formed an irregular polygon showing interconnection among G-3 (CH-2016), G-4 (CH-21/13), G-8 (D-17003), G-11(D-17019), G-13 (TG-1427), G-14 (TG-1430), and G-16 (TG-1510), indicating these genotypes were comparatively more stable. Graphical representation of the mega environment analysis illustrated that E-1 (Pulses Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan) was ideal and most discriminating for genotype screening. Results also revealed that the first mega environment’s construction included the grouping of E-1 (Pulses Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan), E-2 (Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad, Pakistan), E-3 (Gram Breeding Research Station, Kallurkot, Pakistan), and E-4 (Gram Breeding Research Station, Kallurkot, Barani, Pakistan), with G-4 (CH-21/13) as the winning genotype. Biplot also depicted that G-3 (CH-2016) was best in the second mega environment made by E-6 (Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Pakistan), and G-8 (D-17003) was a winner in E-4 (Gram Breeding Research Station, Kallurkot, Barani, Pakistan). Combined analysis showed that G-4 (CH-21/13), G-8 (D-17003), and G-13 (TG-1427) were the most stable and high-yielding; therefore, these genotypes may considerably be widely adaptive across environments.
Chickpea, GGE, stability, high-yielding, mega environment, polygon
The experiment showed that G-4 (CH-21/13) was the ideal and winning genotype across all environments from all genotypes, and E-1 (Pulses Research Institute, Faisalabad) was the ideal and most discriminating environment for screening of genotypes.