Stability analysis for seed yield and yield component traits in ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.)

Genetic improvement toward optimized and stable agronomic performance of ajwain genotypes is desirable for food security. Understanding how genotypes perform in different environmental conditions helps breeders develop sustainable cultivars adapted to target regions. Complex traits of importance are known to be controlled by a large number of genomic regions with small effects whose magnitude and direction are modulated by environmental factors. Knowledge of the constraints and undesirable effects resulting from genotype by environmental interactions is a key objective in improving selection procedures in ajwain breeding programs. The mean squares due to genotypes x environment G x E (L) interactions were also significant for all the characters except day to 50% flowering and days to 75% maturity, plant height and test weight. The genotypes UA-63 was superior in per se performance and stability for seed yield seed yield suggesting its suitability for inclusion in future breeding programme for development of stable variety. The genotype UA-48 found suitable for high yielding environments, while genotypes, UA-66, UA-7, UA-83, UA-29, UA-70, UA-71, Local check, UA41, UA-28, UA-30, UA-90, UA-1, UA-32, UA-87 and GA-1were best in poor environments for seed yield.