Non-parametric estimation and component analysis of phenotypic stability in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

In order to determine phenotypic stability and contribution of yield components in the phenotypic stability of grain yield 21 genotypes of chickpea were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications under rainfed and irrigated conditions in college of Agriculture, Razi University of Kermanshah, Iran, across 4 years. Non-parametric combined analysis of variance showed high significant differences for genotypes and genotype-environment interaction indicating the presence of genetic variation and possibility of selection for stable genotypes. The genotype number 8 (Filip92-9c) with minimum Si(2) and Si(2) of yield stability and grain yield in one parameter also revealed that genotype Filip92-9c was the most desirable variety for both yield and yield stability. Component analysis using Ci-value displayed that number of shrub per unit area has the most contribution on the grain yield phenotypic stability.