Abstract

                                To determine the stability in yield and estimate the extend of genotype x environment interaction of half sib progenies of Eucalyptus camaldulensis across different locations, 48 half sib families and 2 clones were evaluated in a randomized block design (RBD) with 4 replications at four locations viz., Marakkanam, Thiyagadurgam, Karaikudi and Pulvayal after three years of planting during 2013. Additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) analysis indicated that the growth of half sib families were under the major effects of genotype x environment interactions. The first two principal component axes (PCA 1 and 2) were significant (P≤ 0.01) and cumulatively contributed to 88.0% of the total genotype by environment interaction. The biplot technique was used to identify appropriate half-sib families to specific locations. Results showed that families 23, 7, 57 and 40 expressed high stability in performance across environments. Families 74, 92, 36, 88, 30 and 70 exhibited high yield in which environment potential. Family 36 and 74 showed low interaction with high growth performance and can be recommended for a wide range of environments. The families 30, 70 and 92 were having high productivity. Similarly the interaction with environment was also high. Hence, these families can be recommended for specific environments. The locations Marakkanam and Thiyagadurgam were found to be related and completely different from Karaikudi and Pulvayal. According to stability Pulvayal was found to be more stable environment and can be used for breeding programs. Families 30 and 92 are unstable families, however they are specifically adapted to high yielding environment, Marakkanam

Key words : Additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI), Biplot, Stability analysis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis.