Genotype × Year Interaction for Yield and Yield Associated Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Multi-year trials are important in rice breeding program, for identification of stable and promising rice genotypes to ensure food security. For this purpose, current study was designed to assess the performance of 18 rice genotypes across years for yield and yield associated traits. The experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during, rice growing seasons 2018 and 2019. Pooled analysis of variance depicted significant (P ≤ 0.01) differences among the genotypes, years and genotype by year interaction for the studied traits. Across the years DR-92 showed highest number of spikelets panicle⁻¹ (228.50) while Dokri-Basmati manifested maximum number (219) of grains panicle⁻¹. Genotype IR‑8 exhibited maximum 1000-grain weight (34.70 g). DR-92 produced highest grain yield (7223 kg ha⁻¹) across both the years followed by Dokri-Basmati (6474 kg ha⁻¹). Grain yield showed significantly positive phenotypic and genotypic associations with spikelets panicle⁻¹, grains panicle⁻¹ and 1000-grain weight. Overall, study indicated differential behavior of genotypes for the studied traits across years. Rice genotypes DR-92, Dokri-Basmati and IR‑8 showed better performance for yield and yield associated traits which could be cultivated commercially in the region and exploited in rice breeding program..