Analysis of genotype by environmental interaction and stability assessment of faba bean ( <i>Vicia faba</i> ) genotypes in potential areas of Arsi, South Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract Development of improved varieties with superior performance and wide adaptability (stability) across different environments is very important. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the effect of genotype × environment interaction and to determine the performance and stability of faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) genotypes for seed yield and seed weight using randomized complete block design with four replications evaluated at three locations over two main cropping seasons. The combined analysis of variance demonstrated that faba bean yield and seed weight was significantly influenced by environment, genotype, and interaction. The additive main and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis revealed that environment, genotype, and interaction accounted for 41.6% and 48.2%, 6.3% and 26.2%, and 12.1% and 8.61% of the total variation in seed yield and seed weight, respectively. The mean grain yield ranged from 2919.29 to 3618.08 kg ha −1 , with an overall mean of 3335.98 kg ha −1 across six environments. EH 09028‐3 displayed higher seed weight with an advantage of 34.6% and 10.97% over the standard checks Gora and Tumsa with comparable seed yield. Based on AMMI biplot and most stability parameters, EH 09017‐5 was superior in performance, relatively stable, and widely adapted over the studied environments in terms of seed yield. However, EH 010051‐1, EH 010058‐1, and EH 09028‐3 were top performing and relatively stable for seed weight. There was no single genotype that exhibited both superior performance and stability for both seed yield and seed weight. Therefore, this indicates separate breeding program/selection method could be appropriate for these two key traits.