Comprehensive stability analysis of rice genotypes through multi-location yield trials using PBSTAT-GE.

Multi-location yield trials are the testing of promising genotypes at several environments. The present study aimed identification of potentially high-yielding and stable rice genotypes through genotype x environment interactions which can be released as new cultivars. The PBSTAT-GE software is developed as an alternative of statistical analysis which is more practical and comprehensive for stability analysis. PBSTAT-GE is simple to use and has the ability to provide comprehensive output from several methods of stability analysis. PBSTAT-GE can perform 12 types of stability analysis, including Francis-Kannenberg, cultivar superiority, Hanson, Shukla, Finlay-Wilkinson, Eberhart-Russel, Wricke, non-parametric stability (Kang's yield and stability index (YSi), Parameter stability based on Nassar and Huehn, stability index based on Fox, and Thennarasu's stability index), AMMI, and GGE. The said comprehensive stability analysis was carried out through PBSTAT-GE for 12 rice genotypes grown in 16 locations. Three promising lines namely BP3308B-2E-5-B*4, BP3374-6D-KN-22-2-B*4, and Ciherang have been identified with good stability and wide adaptation based on five stability analyses. The simplicity of PBSTAT-GE operation would save some considerable amount of time and efforts of the researchers for performing stability analysis in their breeding program. Such studies provides simple interface with broad-range of stability analysis that could help plant breeders in identifying stable and high yielding genotypes.