Stability in performance of marvel grass genotypes (Dichanthium annulatum) under north western arid rangeland Ram Bhagirath1,*, Meena S. L.2, Dayal Devi, Shamsudheen M.1 Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Kukma, Bhuj-Kachchh, Gujarat-370105, India 1Present address: Directorate of Rapeseed- Mustard Research, Sewar, Bharatpur-321303, Rajasthan, India
2Present Address: Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
*Corresponding author e-mail: bhagirathram_icar@yahoo.com
Online published on 31 March, 2014. Abstract The study was conducted during kharif season of 2006, 2007 and 2008 to test the stability of genotypes of marvel grass (Dichanthium annulatum). Pooled analysis of variance on five characters was carried out individually as well as pooled over the years. Genotype x environment interaction was significant for all the characters included in the study. Significant G x E (linear) for all the characters indicated presence of substantial amount of predictable G x E interaction. All seven genotypes were tested for three stability parameters, viz, mean, bi and S2di. It indicated that direct selection for plant height and green fodder yield along with simultaneously selection for tillers per plant will be responsive for improvement of dry fodder yield and seed yield per plant. The results provide useful information to aid the choice of marvel grass genotypes in north western arid area of Gujarat. CAZRI-BH-DA-3 and CAZRIBH-DA-2 should be included in any breeding programme where objective is to develop high-yielding stable genotype over the environment. Top Keywords Dichanthium annulatum, Fodder, G x E interaction, Genotypes, Perennial grasses, Rangeland, Selection, Stability. Top |