Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Associate Professor, Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department, Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Khorramabad, Iran, * Corresponding author E-mail: Papezeshkpour@yahoo.com
2 Researcher , Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Yasuj, Iran
3 Researcher, Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department, Ilam Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Ilam, Iran
4 Extension expert, Gachsaran Agricultural Jihad management
Abstract
Introduction: Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), as one of the important legumes of Mediterranean regions, is of particular significance due to its high adaptability to low-input and organic farming systems as well as its diverse uses. Since rainfed lands are exposed to fluctuations in rainfall across different locations and time periods, and there is a high likelihood of moisture stress during critical growth stages, conducting multi-environment trials is essential for identifying stable and high-yielding genotypes. Multi-trait stability selection contributes to a more accurate evaluation of plant genotypes and facilitates more reliable results. Therefore, the objective of this study was to select superior common vetch genotypes based on a number of morphological traits using different indices derived from the REML/BLUP model, as well as the SIIG index, and to compare the efficiency of these indices.
Methodology: In this study, eight advanced common vetch genotypes, along with the check cultivars Maragheh and Tolou, were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications at four Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Stations located in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad (Gachsaran), Lorestan (Khorramabad), and Ilam (Mehran and Chardavol) over five cropping seasons (2019–2024). Sowing was carried out using a Wintersteiger experimental seed drill in four 7-m rows, with 30 cm spacing between rows. Genetic parameters were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS and R software.
Research findings: According to the results of the combined analysis of variance, significant differences were observed among environments and genotypes for most agronomic traits of common vetch. The genotype × environment interaction effects were also significant for the majority of traits. REML-based estimates showed that genotypic variance, residual variance, and G×EG×E variance explained 8.91%, 55.65%, and 35.45% of the total phenotypic variance for seed yield, respectively. The REML results further indicated that the highest and lowest heritability estimates were related to fresh forage yield and number of pods per plant, respectively. Overall, by comparing the results obtained from different indices, the genotypes selected by the SIIG index (G2, G4, G1, and G3) were identified as promising candidates for more advanced trials due to their superior seed yield, biomass yield, number of pods per plant, hundred-seed weight, and straw yield. In addition, the genotypes G1, G2, and G4 selected using the FAI-BLUP and MGIDI indices exhibited higher seed yield compared with the check cultivars. These findings highlight the importance of integrating multi-trait selection and stability analyses in common vetch breeding programs to enhance drought tolerance and ensure sustainable yield improvement in rainfed agricultural systems, while also providing valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at drought adaptation and yield enhancement.
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