Grouping Lentil Genotypes by Cluster Methods Related to Linear Regression Model and Genotype × Environment Interaction Variance

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) as a rich source of protein for human consumption is the fourth most important pulse crop in the world. Genotype × environment (GE) interaction is observed in lentil like the other crops performance trials and is an important issue for plant breeders. Eighteen lentil genotypes were evaluated under rainfed conditions using a randomized complete block design with 4 replications for 3 years between 2008 and 2010 and at 4 different locations. GE interaction was analyzed using clustering techniques. There was considerable variation for grain yield among both genotypes and environments based on combined ANOVA. Also, combined analysis of variance indicated that three way interaction (GYL) or GE interaction was highly significant. The high significance of GE interactions is indicating the studied genotypes exhibited both crossover and non-crossover types of GE interaction. According to dendrograms of regression method (methods 1) there were 2 different genotypic groups based on G (intercept) and GE (line slope) sources while there were none different genotypic groups based on GE (line slope) source. Also, the dendrograms of ANOVA methods indicated 12 different genotypic groups based on G and GE sources and 11 different genotypic groups based on GE sources. Considering both mean yield and stability performance, genotypes G1 (1418.7 kg ha-1), G5 (1324.4 kg ha-1), G14 (1401.9 kg ha-1) and G15 (1307.3 kg ha-1) were found to be the most favorable genotypes which could be recommended for national releases. Such an outcome could be regularly applied in the future to exploration lentil genotypes and other crops based on regression or ANOVA models in the other areas of the world.