Genotype by environment interaction for nut yield and associated traits in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L)

Abstract Cashew is cultivated in varied agro-ecological regions of India and yield levels vary with regions. Therefore, to identify stable genotype for yield, 18 genotypes were tested in four environments for nut yield and related traits during 2008 to 2018 in randomized block design with two replications. The data of 6th annual harvest and cumulative nut yield of six years was analyzed employing AMMI and GGE methods. Analysis of variance for 6th annual harvest indicated significant differences (p < 0.01) for eight traits. Environments varied significantly (p < 0.01) for seven traits. G x E interactions were significant (p < 0.01) for all traits. Analysis of variance for cumulative yield revealed significant variations between genotypes, environments, G x E interactions. About 95% of variability was captured by IPCA 1 (84.39%) and IPCA 2 (10.27%) in the G× E interaction. Genotypes, environments and G x E interaction were accounted for 16.18%, 4.50% and 77.22% respectively of total variation. The environment Pilicode discriminated better while Vridhachalam was representative. BPP-8 and Vengulra-7 were the winning genotypes in Bhubaneswar while Kanaka and Priyanka in Pilicode, Vengurla-4 in Jhargram and UN-50 in Vridhachalam. As per ASV (AMMI stability value,) K-22-1 was stable genotype followed by Bhubaneswar-1. As per YSI (yield stability index), Bhubaneswar-1 was stable and high yielding followed by K-22-1 and BPP-8. The study concludes that genotypes Bhubaneswar-1, K-22-1, BPP-8 may be suggested for cultivation in west and east coast regions of India.