Delineation of genotype-by-environment interactions for identification and validation of resistant genotypes in chickpea to fusarium wilt using GGE biplot

Abstract Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, is a major constraint to chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production and breeding for resistant cultivars is one of the most practical and economical strategies for managing this disease. The present study assesses elite chickpea breeding lines for Fusarium wilt resistance through multi-location evaluation in field sick plots over two years in India. The effects of genotype, environment and GE interaction for wilt incidence were highly significant with maximum variation caused by GE effect (82.09%) followed by genotype (11.16%) and environment effect (6.38%). GGE biplot analysis revealed that Rahuri and Indore locations were most discriminating locations and could differentiate the wilt resistant and susceptible chickpea genotypes while Dholi and Kanpur locations were least discriminating. Durgapura location was the most representative of average environment followed by Sehore while Rahuri and Indore locations were least representative. The genotypes GJG 0904, GJG 0906, GJG 1010, GJG 0814, GJG 0922, JAKI 9218 and GJG 1001 possessed high level of multiple race resistance against Fusarium wilt pathogen and can be exploited for disease resistance breeding in chickpea.