Detection of cross over genotype × environment interactions in pearl millet

Summary

Two tests for detection of cross over genotype × environment interactions for grain yield in pearl millet varietal trials with 13 entries tested at 26 sites in India during 1987–88 were used. The first test for a two-way table of varieties and environments detected significant cross over interactions involving directional change in the rank order of varietal means across environments for five varieties, namely, MP 122, MP 131, MP 154, MP 156 and MP 162 against the standard variety WC-C-75 at the α = 0.05 level. When the α = 0.10 level was used the cross over interactions were also significant for all the remaining six varieties and one hybrid against WC-C-75. The second test comparing grain yield differences of 11 varieties and one hybrid (MBH 130) with WC-C-75 in 26 environments revealed significant quantitative and cross over interactions for all the entries. The first test is conservative and use of α = 0.10 level seems appropriate for obtaining results comparable to the second test. The two tests emphasized the importance of breeding for specific adaptation in pearl millet rather than general adaptation.