Stability analysis of willow clones: optimizing selection for commercial and industrial utilization

Abstract

Salix, known for its rapid growth, versatility, and distinctive properties, carries substantial economic value across various industries. Given its significant commercial importance, it is essential to identify a stable clones that can be introduced or reproduced in diverse agro-climatic zones. In this study, we utilized three distinct models, namely, AMMI, GGE, and MTSI, to evaluate the stability of Salix clones concerning key growth attributes, such as height, diameter, and volume index. The AMMI model's IPCA values ranged from 69.90% (plant height) to 81.10% (volume index), with the biplot indicating J799 superior performance across all growth variables. Utilizing AMMI 2 biplots, we observed that several clones, including J799, 131/25, J795, UHFS119, UHFS144, UHFS180/5, UHFS222, UHFS296, and UHFS340, performed similarly in all conditions. The GGE model highlighted Denali (environment 3) as more discriminative and representative for growth traits. Overall, the clones J799, 131/25, Kashmiri, and J795 demonstrated superior performance and stability across various growth features, as indicated by both GGE and MTSI functions. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting stable clones for commercial plantations in diverse geographical locations.