The ability of chickpea to obtain sufficient nitrogen via its symbiotic relationship with Mesorhizobium ciceri is of critical importance in supporting growth and grain production. A number of factors can affect this symbiotic relationship including abiotic conditions, plant genotype, soil and environmental conditions. Hence, the present study was aimed at facilitating the GGE biplot analysis through multi-environment testing of chickpea genotypes, in order to select the diverse and stable nodulating genotypes across the locations, we have evaluated fifty-seven genotypes in four different locations during rabi 2021-22. Based on the results of hierarchical clustering the genotypes are divided mainly into two clusters with three sub clusters in cluster 1 and three sub clusters in cluster II indicating presence of considerable variability or dissimilarity among the evaluated genotypes. Based on the principal component analysis, the first 2 PCs accounted for 76.4% of the total variation. The PC1 explained 49.4 % of total variation, while PC2 explained 26.6% total variability. The genotypes IC 11307, ICC3734, IC 814 constituting PC1 and ICC13153, ICC8143, ICC1770 constituting PC2 contributed maximum genetic variability particularly through the trait nodule fresh weight. Thus, we could identify the genotypes, viz., ICC 16409, ICC 6120, ICC 14916, ICC 5434 and ICC 5146, which were found to be highly stable with high mean yield and these genotypes would serve as donors for further improvement of nodulation. Further, the environment E1 (IARI-New Delhi) was identified as most suitable representative for nodulation and high yield. Thus, identified stable genotypes can be used in breeding for developing verities with high biological nitrogen fixation

GGE biplot, Hierarchical clustering, Nodulation, PCA, stability.

The present study showed the importance of undertaking multi-location trials, their subsequent G × E interactions, and stability analysis for high nodulation and their positive response on biological nitrogen fixation and increasing yield. The results of hierarchical clustering indicated the presence of sufficient genetic diversity among the evaluated genotypes that may be useful for future breeding program. The principal component analysis found more than 70% of variation from two components of PCA. PC1 accounted for the highest variability was contributed by NFW and PC2 by was dominated by NFW, NOP, NON and yield. Thus, PCA analysis has suggested that the genotypes IC 11307, ICC3734, IC 814 constituting PC1 and ICC13153, ICC8143, ICC1770 constituting PC2 would be of practical value to chickpea breeders in identifying the genotype with desired trait(specifically for nodule fresh weight and high number of nodules for utilization in breeding. GGE biplot analysis permitted estimation of interaction effects of genotypes in each environment that helped to identify genotypes best suited for specific environments. The genotypes ICC 16409, ICC 6120, ICC 14916, ICC 5434 and ICC 5146were found to be highly stable with high mean yield and the environment E1(IARI, New Delhi) was identified as most suitable representative for nodulation and high yielding stable genotypes

Chandana B.S., Rohit Kumar Mahto, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Deepak Kumar Singh, K.K. Singh, Sunita Kushwah, Gera Roopa Lavanya and Rajendra Kumar (2024). GGE Plot Analysis for Identification of Location Specific Stable Genotypes and Suitable Environment for Chickpea root Nodulation. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(6): 93-100.