Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate Genotype×Envi
ronment Interaction (GEI) of
chlorophyll meter readings (SPAD) of ten durum whea
t cultivars, using data obtained
from multi-environment trials during two years, at
eight locations. Stability and genotypic
superiority for SPAD reading was identified using A
NOVA and GGE biplot analysis.
Furthermore, the interrelationships among SPAD read
ing and other yield components
and cultivars-by-traits, environment-by-traits, and
cultivars-by-environment were
studied using scatter, ranking, and comparison of b
iplot techniques. Substantial
variations were found among SPAD reading, yield com
ponents, and quality criteria as
related to each other, environment, and cultivars.
There were positive correlations among
SPAD reading with GY, some quality criteria [Protei
n Content (PC); Wet Gluten (WG),
Vitreous Kernels (VIT)], and yield components [stal
ks m-
2
(SS); ear m-
2
(ES); Plant
Height (PH), Length of Spike (LS)], while Maturatio
n Time (MT) had negative
correlation with SPAD. Also, there was relationship
among SPAD and SC (Semolina
Color) and SDS (Mini Sedimentation) with obtuse ang
les (< 90
0
), but the correlation was
not significant. The GGE biplot indicated that Kızı
ltepe environment (E6) and Eyyubi
cultivar (G3) were the best in terms of SPAD readin
g. The GGE biplot provided useful
information for experimentation of SPAD readings of
cultivars when grown under multi-
environment. Moreover, SPAD should be considered as
the preferred tool, when the
breeder is looking for the best and useful tool to
determine flag leaf chlorophyll content.
Keywords:
Chlorophyll, Cultivar-environment interaction, GGE
biplot, Wheat.
