GGE biplot analysis of adaptation in wheat substitution lines

ABSTRACT: In order to identify chromosomal location of QTLs controlling yield and yield stability, wheat substitution lines of Cheyenne (Donor) into the genetic background of Chinese Spring (Recipient) were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replications under rainfed and irrigated conditions across two years. The GGE [genotype main effect (G) and genotype by environment interaction (GE)] biplot graphical tool was applied to analyze multi-environment trials (MET) data. Combined analysis of variance showed significant differences for genotypes (G), environments (E) and GE interaction indicating variability between genotypes, environments and their effects in the GE interaction and possible chromosomal localization of the genes controlling yield and yield stability in wheat. Most of the variation in the GE interaction (7.49%) was attributed to environmental fluctuations (78.26%). The first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) of GGE analysis justified 86.6% of total variation in the data matrix. GGE biplot analysis indicated that most of the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in controlling phenotypic stability and yield performance in wheat are located on the chromosomes 1D in D genome and 4B in B genome.