Analysis of the effect of GE interaction on the grain yield and its related traits in rain-fed Algerian durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) grown in contrasting environments

Selection for higher yield and wider adaptability are the most important tasks in crop breeding programs. (GE) interactions are commonly seen as one of the major barriers in plant breeding. The present work aims to assess the effects of GE interaction for the grain yield of 14 durum wheat varieties grown in rain-fed environments during 2014-2017 cropping seasons, and to analyze the relationships between 15 traits intra and inter-environments. Field trials were carried out in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Grain yield data were analyzed using AMMI model. The combined analysis of variance showed that the effects of genotype, environment and their interactions were highly significant on the grain yield. Using CV and Pi index, GTA dur was the high yielding (32.5 q ha-1) and most stable variety across all the environments. Based on the inter-character correlation, the indirect selection of grain yield via the number of grains per m2 would be effective. Moreover, the inter-environment correlation of the studied variables confirms there was GE interaction and suggests that the best varieties should be chosen according to their specific adaptation. Cold environments differed from warm and moderate ones in the ranking of varieties. Indeed, Sétif site offers better possibilities for producing the Ofanto variety (39.9 q ha-1). Whereas, GTA dur and Simeto (30.9 q ha-1 and 29.7 q ha-1, respectively) prove to be the most efficient in terms of grain yield at Oued Smar and Khemis Miliana sites together.