Delineating G × E interactions by AMMI method for root attributes in ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal]

Mithlesh Kumar; M. P. Patel; R. M. Chauhan; C. J. Tank; S. D. Solanki; R. A. Gami; N. V. Soni; P. C. Patel; P. T. Patel; H. S. Bhadauria; N. B. Patel; R. M. Patel; Kirti Rani

Mithlesh Kumar Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506, Gujarat
M. P. Patel Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506, Gujarat
R. M. Chauhan Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506, Gujarat
C. J. Tank Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506, Gujarat
S. D. Solanki Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506, Gujarat
R. A. Gami Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506, Gujarat
N. V. Soni Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506, Gujarat
P. C. Patel Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506, Gujarat
P. T. Patel Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506, Gujarat
H. S. Bhadauria Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506, Gujarat
N. B. Patel Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506, Gujarat
R. M. Patel Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506, Gujarat
Kirti Rani Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506, Gujarat

Keywords: Ashwagandha, root traits, simultaneous selection index (SSI), principal component, GE interaction

Abstract

In the present study, additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) biplot analyses was used to dissect genotype x environment interaction (GEI) and to identify location specific and widely adapted genotypes for root branches, diameter and length in ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal]. Trials were conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications over three consecutive years at three different locations. ANOVA analysis revealed environment, G×E interaction and genotype effects to contribute significantly (p less than 0.001) towards total sum of squares for root branches (61.00%, 22.18% and 14.00%); root diameter (51.06%, 24.26% and 15.34%) and root length (65.67%, 20.82% and 11.39%). Further, the GEI for these traits was mostly explained by the first, second and third principal component axis (IPCA1, IPCA2 and IPCA3). AMMI1 and AMMI2 biplot analyses showed differential stability of genotypes for root branches, diameter and length with few exceptions. Environmental contribution towards the genotypic performance from AMMI1 and AMMI2 analysis for root traits except environment Bhi16 contribution for root diameter and root length. AMMI1 biplots and simultaneous selection index (SSI) statistics identified SKA-11 as the most desirable genotype for root branches and length while SKA-26 and SKA-27 for root diameter. The ashwagandha genotypes identified for root attributes could be advocated either for varietal recommendation or in varietal development program.