ADAPTATION AND YIELD STABILITY OF SELECTED LINES OF LATHYRUS SPP UNDER RAIN-FED CONDITIONS IN WEST ASIA

Sixteen promising lines (selections) of Lathyrus spp. (chicklings), comprising 11 L. sativus, four L. ochrus, and one L. cicera, were evaluated under rainfed conditions in Syria. Two locations in each of four years were treated as separate environments, to give eight environments altogether. Genotype x environment (G x E) interactions were analysed using linear regression. There was considerable variation in herbage and seed yields within both lines and environments. Genotype x environment interactions were present for both herbage and seed yields; a little over half was accounted for by the linear regression. The non-linear component was also significant, although it was smaller than that of the linear component. The most stable herbage and seed yields were obtained from L. sativus. Two selections, 347 and 311, originating from Syria and Turkey respectively, combined both high herbage and seed yields with wide adaptation and stability, and could be considered the most widely adapted lines. Other lines were identified as suitable for favourable and unfavourable environments; in particular, all four lines of L. ochrus have great potential in frost-free climates. The importance of genotype x environment interactions in future breeding strategies is discussed.