STABILITY AND ADAPTABILITY OF SORGHUM HYBRIDS ELUCIDATED WITH GENOTYPE–ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION BIPLOTS

This study was conducted to compare the performance of ten sorghum hybrids at two locations (Maize and Millets Research Institute, Yusafwala, Sahiwal, MMRI) & Sorghum Research Sub-Station, Dera Gazi Khan, D.G. Khan) for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016), i.e. in a total of four environments (MMRI-15, MMRI-16, DG Khan-15 and DG Khan-16). The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with a plot size of 4 x 0.75 x 2 m. In all four environments the crop was sown in July and harvested in December. Five plants were selected randomly from each plot for data collection. The following ranges were determined in the investigated traits; grain yield (2858.34-5266.33 kg ha(-1)), fodder yield (28663-45667 kg ha(-1)), days to 50% anthesis (76-81 days) and Brix value (8.28 -18.42). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) estimates, generated by the biplot software were used for data interpretation. It was found that the influence of genotype, environment and G x E interaction was significant (P<0.05) for all traits in all environments. The data for all traits except Brix value were useful for further study. For grain yield and fodder yield, hybrid YSH-95 was the most suitable due to its higher yield and better stability. Sorghum Research Sub-Station Dera Gazi Khan (DG Khan), a non-discriminating location, were considered suitable for generally adapted hybrids and Maize and Millets Research Institute, Yusafwala, Sahiwal (MMRI), a more discriminating location, were considered best for specifically adapted hybrids. The results of which-won-where biplots showed that Lasani was the best general hybrid at both locations, whereas YSH-95 was the best hybrid for the specific environmental conditions at MMRI.