Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Research
Open Access

Abstract

Stability Analysis of Chili (Capsicum frutescens L.) Genotypes in the Rift Valley Areas of Ethiopia

Gebeyehu Wondimu and Shimelis Aklilu

Five chili genotypes were evaluated for two years at three locations to evaluate the performance and yield stability. Stability differences were assessed based on linear regression of the genotype on environmental index. Subsequently, the genotype by environment interaction (GEI) was analyzed using the AMMI statistical model. The combined analysis showed that fruit yield over six environments ranged from 21 to 33 q/ha with overall mean yield of 26.8 q/ha and genotype PBC-586, PBC-142A and PBC-401 gave the highest mean yield above the grand mean. The combined analysis of variance showed significant (p<0.05) genotype and genotype by environment effects on total fruit yield. The regression coefficient for fruit yield ranged from 0.77 to 1.2. The regression coefficient of the two high yielding genotypes (PBC-586 and PBC-142A) was above 1, and their performance was high in high yielding environments where growing conditions were favorable in (MARC-2014, Wonji-2013 and Wonji-2014. Thus, both genotype was found the best genotypes with their top ranks in PCA1 and PCA2 that showed their wide adaptability to different environments and was released with local names 'Melk-Ddera and Melka-Oli' for PBC-586 and PBC-142A respectively. to be grown in the Rift Valley and similar agro-ecologies in Ethiopia. Moreover, the potential of chili production in the short rainy season can consistently augment hot pepper production in the off season under irrigated condition so that chili and pepper products can be available throughout the year.