Evaluation of grain yield and its stability in durum wheat genotypes in warm and dry areas of Iran

To identify durum wheat cultivars with high grain yield and yield stability, desirable grain quality and resistant to diseases, 18 elite durum wheat genotypes along with two commercial durum (Behrang) and bread wheat (Chamran) cultivars as checks were evaluated. The experiment was carried out in four locations; Khorramabad, Darab, Dezfoul and Ahwaz, research stations in warm and dry areas of Iran in two growing seasons; 2010-11 and 2011-12. The experimental design was randomized complete block with three replications.For grain yield, simple and combined analysis of variance were performed. The genotype × year, genotype × location, and genotype × year × location interactions were significant. For more precise evaluation of interactions and grain yield stability, stability analysis using AMMI model was employed. Biplot analysis showed that the genotypes; DW-89-3, DW-89-4, DW-89-6, DW-89-8, DW-89-9, DW-89 10, DW-89-11, DW- 89-13 and DW-89-15 had shortest distance to the biplot center, and therefore had higher grain yield stability. Genotypes DW 89-8 and DW-89-11had also higher grain yield and their protein content and semolina extract rate were higher or similar to the cv. Behrang.