Identification of stable cultivars of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) based on GGE Biplot and MTSI index

The present study was conducted to evaluate a total of 20 hybrids and five open-pollinated (OPVs) released varieties for their adaptability and stability and to identify traits that contributed towards yield increase under diverse ecological conditions. Variation due to location was predominantly greater, emphasizing the importance of specific adaptation. Thus, two mega environments (ME) were identified, ME1 bearing arid locations, Bikaner, Mandor and Jaipur with MPMH 17 as winning hybrid and ME2 with semi-arid locations, Gwalior, Hisar and Jamnagar with KSB and MP 7792 as winning hybrids. Hybrids with good tillering are suited for arid situations, while hybrids with higher grain and fodder yields, greater plant height, greater panicle length and late flowering are suitable for semi-arid situations. Pearson’s correlation indicated a positive and significant correlation among grain yield, dry fodder yield, panicle diameter and days to 50% flowering. The hybrids GHB 905, 86M01, HHB 197 and GHB 558 were selected through MTSI as superior hybrids for stability and performance for most of the agronomical traits across all evaluated locations. This selection index also supported 86M01 as a stable and high-mean-performing hybrid that was also widely adapted based on GGE Biplot.