Adaptability and stability analysis of groundnut genotypes using AMMI model and GGE-biplot

Unpredictable rainfall, variations in farm inputs, crop-diseases, and the inherent potential of genotypes are among the major factors for low and variable crop yield. Fourteen elite groundnut genotypes were examined in 14 environments to analyze adaptability and stability of genotypes, and identify mega-environments if they exist. Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model, cultivar-superiority measure, and genotype plus genotype-by-environment (GGE) biplot analysis were used for data analysis. The environment (69.8%) and genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) effects (21.4%) were dominating the genotypic effect (8.8%). The GEI was significant (P < 0.01), and two distinct environments (mega-environments) were identified, suggesting separate national groundnut breeding strategies for Babile and Pawe. ICGV-94100 and ICGV-97156 were stable and had the highest-yield at Babile and Pawe, respectively. The higher heritability value was recorded in more homogeneous and favorable environments, indicating the genetic potential of groundnut genotypes were better attained in more homogeneous and favorable environments. AMMI model, cultivar-superiority measure, and GGE biplots were helpful methodologies and complemented each other to evaluate the adaptability and stability of groundnut genotypes in diverse environments.