Evaluation of the yield stability of lentil genotypes by combining AMMI and BLUP techniques

Abstract This study evaluated the yield stability of 14 advanced lentil genotypes alongside two control cultivars (Kimia and Gachsaran) across three growing seasons (2013–2016) and three locations in Iran (Gachsaran, Ilam, and Khoramabad). A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed at each site. The likelihood ratio test confirmed significant effects for environment and genotype‐by‐environment interaction (GEI). A scree test determined that the first three interaction principal components were significant, collectively explaining 79.27% of the total GEI variation. According to the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction 1 (AMMI1) biplot, genotypes G10, G6, G7, G4, and G14 were identified as the most stable, demonstrating minimal contribution to the GEI. Furthermore, the AMMI2‐based biplot (grain yield vs. weighted average absolute scores of BLUP [WAASB]) highlighted genotypes G1, G14, G18, G3, G6, G7, G4, G10, and G9 as possessing high yield and stability. By integrating AMMI and best linear unbiased prediction estimates and applying different weights for seed yield and stability (WAASB), genotypes G2, G9, G12, G16, and G8 were selected as high‐performing and widely stable. Among all, G12 and G2 emerged as the most promising genotypes, combining superior yield with remarkable stability, and are thus recommended as ideal candidates for cultivar release and future breeding programs.