Balanced parameters for genotype x environment interaction in some alfalfa genotypes

Abstract EN

Identification of alfalfa genotypes, with high yield potential and good forage quality along with the least seasonal fluctuation over a wide range of environments, is important for crop improvement programs.

Trials were conducted to evaluate seven alfalfa (Medicago sativa, L) genotypes over three years at the Nubaria Agricultural Research Station Site.

Field experiments were carried out in 2014, 2015 and 2016 seasons to evaluate fresh and dry forage yield, protein and fiber percentages and their stability employing parametric and non-parametric measures for the seven genotypes across environments.

Results indicated that the local cultivar Ismailia-1 was superior to the introduced genotypes regarding its fresh and dry forage yield in addition to recording the least fiber percentage; however, MI reya produced higher protein percentage.

When stability measures for the four traits was considered, Isamilia-1 was considered the most stable for fiber percentage based on four different measures tested.

MI reya was most stable for protein percentage and more stable than Ismailia-1 for fresh and dry forage yield based on estimates from larger number of the tested stability measures, suggesting that MI reya is the most promising genotype among the introduced genotypes under study.