European Journal of Sustainable Agroecosystems

Background: The environmental variability is increasing due to climate change and this threatens the global rice production. Identification of climate resilient genotypes with stable yield in various environments is essential for sustainable rice improvement.
Methods: Eighteen genotypes of Oryza sativa L. were tested in six environments with varying conditions in three cropping seasons in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The grain yield and agronomic traits were analyzed using a combined ANOVA, principal component analysis (PCA) and GGE biplot analysis for evaluating genotype × environment (G×E) interactions and yield stability.
Results: Highly significant (P < 0.001) G×E interaction explained 42.3% of the total variation in grain yield. The GGE biplot analysis identified two mega environments. Genotypes G5, G8 and G12 combined high grain yield (6.2–6.8 t ha⁻¹) with superior stability of yield (0.92–0.96). The “Which-Won-Where” biplot revealed that G5 was the most widely adapted genotype, while G12 was the best performed genotype in the high stress environments. G5 and G8 also had higher climate resilience indices and a strong association between yield stability and drought adaptive traits.
Conclusions: Through GGE biplot analysis, stable and high-yielding rice genotypes were identified, even in aerial distinctions. G5, G8, and G12 were determined to be the best options for breeding and variety release that best satisfy industry's requirements as they can work properly in some climatic changes.