Identification of Stable and Rust-Resistant Bread Wheat Genotypes through Multi-Environment Trial Analysis in Ethiopia
Tafesse Solomon
*
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Berihanu Sime
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Habtemariam Zegeye
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Rut Duga
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Alemu Dabi
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Negash Geleta
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Gadisa Alemu
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Abebe Delesa
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Bayisa Asefa
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Demeke Zewedu
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Abebe Getamesay
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Dawit Asenake
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Hasen Sied
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Megersa Bayisa
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Cherent Kasahun
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Niguse Degefa
EIAR, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (P.O. Box 489), Ethiopia.
Kasa Mamo
EIAR, The Ambo Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia.
Telahun Bayisa
OARI, Sinana Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia.
Yewubdar Shewaye
EIAR, Bishoftu Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia.
Shitaye Homa
EIAR, Bishoftu Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia.
Tewodros Leulseged
EIAR, Bishoftu Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia.
Molla Mekonen
EIAR, Adet Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia.
Mathewos Ashamo
SEARI, Areka Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L., 2n = 6x = 42) is a globally important crop, with projected production of nearly 793 million metric tons in 2024/2025. In Ethiopia, yields have increased from 1.18 t/ha in 2000 to 3.1 t/ha by 2022, yet production remains threatened by rust diseases and other stresses. The objective of this study is to identify stable and rust-resistant bread wheat genotypes through multi-environment trial analysis in Ethiopia. This study evaluated 378 genotypes from the national breeding pipeline across multiple locations in 2024 to identify high-yielding, rust-resistant, and stable lines. Genotypes were tested in stage-gated trials: 318 in the Observation Nursery, 37 in the Preliminary Variety Trial, 16 in the 1st-Year National Variety Trial, and 5 in the 2nd-Year National Variety Trial, with Boru and Deka as checks. Multi-environment trial analyses using linear mixed models revealed contrasting stability and yield performance. Among the tested genotypes, EBW202020 and EBW202473 exhibited moderate susceptibility to stem rust, with EBW202020 further constrained by poor grain yield stability across nine clustered environments. EBW202471 showed consistent superiority with moderate fluctuations, EBW202472 exhibited high responsiveness but poor stability, and EBW202473 performed stably, though not always at the highest yield. Based on combined performance, EBW202471, EBW202472, and EBW202473 were identified as promising candidates for advancement.
Keywords: Bread wheat, rust resistance, yield stability, MET, linear mixed model, wheat breeding pipeline