Evaluation of Grain Yield and Quality Traits of Bread Wheat Genotypes Cultivated in Northwest Turkey

A study was performed to evaluate the effects of environment (E) and genotype (G) x E interactions (GGE) for quality traits and grain yield in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). ANOVA and GGE biplots were used to assess quality performance and stability in 36 genotypes of bread wheat through a three-location trial over two cropping seasons in the Thrace Region of Turkey. The 36 wheat genotypes used were classified into eight different groups, including landraces, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and advanced lines. The data showed a wide range of variation for milling quality parameters with regard to gluten quantity and quality, as well as for grain yield. Genotypes, location, and year, in this order, contributed to this diversity. Remarkably, all the traits except grain protein content showed a larger genotype effect than location (L) effect; the interaction G x L was usually more important than the G x Y. Genotypic and location components markedly exceeded G x L and Y x L for all variables, with the exception of grain yield, in which the G x Y effect was greater than locations according to ANOVA analysis. Noticeable continuous progress (53%) was observed in genetic grain yield during the last 60 yr without limiting wheat quality. GGE biplot analysis found that, on average, the biplots accounted for 80 to 85% of G and G x E variation present. Krasunia and Sagittario were the best genotypes (best performance and higher stability) of the study based on the traits evaluated.