A comparative study for yield performance and adaptation of some Australian and CIMMYT/ICARDA wheat genotypes grown at selected locations in Australia and the WANA region

Abstract

A regional adaptation analysis was conducted to provide a basis for effective and efficient wheat germplasm exchange between Australia and the WANA region. A set of 38 Australian and CIMMYT/ICARDA genotypes was tested for grain yield in 29 environments in Australia and the WANA region for 3 years commencing in 1994–95 season. Classification analysis of grain yield data identified 9 genotypic groups and 5 environmental groups with similar patterns in yield performance within each group. Genotypes with similar origin and pedigree were similar in yield performance across environments in Australia and the WANA region. Environmental conditions across both regions showed similarity in discriminating genotypes for their yield performance. Genotypes Attila, Spear, Excalibur, and 82Y:1186 were highest yielding in Australia and the WANA region. However, genotypes Nesser, Pfau/Seri//Bow, Hartog, Vulcan, and Sunland showed wide adaptation across both regions. Genotypes Cranbrook, Genaro 81, Seri 82, Kauz, SUN 190A, and Pgo/Seri 82 showed specific adaptation to favourable environments. Genotypes in each group, based on yield performance, showed differing degrees of yield stability. Pfau/Seri//Bow has the potential for release for commercial production in Australia and the WANA region. The genotypes Pfau/Seri//Bow, Hartog, Sunland, and Vulcan could be used in trials in both regions as indicator varieties to evaluate new breeding lines for mutual exchange between the 2 sets of breeding programs.