Integrated Multi-Trait Selection of Bread Wheat Genotypes Using GYT Biplot Analysis under Contrasting Moisture Regimes

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Adel Siosemardeh
Nasrin Ghamari Rahim
Farzad Hosseinpanahi
Ghader Mirzaghaderi
Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Islamic Republic of Iran.
10.48311/jast.2026.120209.83278
Abstract
Improving wheat yield and stability under variable water availability a major challenge in semi-arid agroecosystems. Conventional selection strategies often emphasize yield alone, overlooking its interaction with key agronomic traits. study sought to identify high-performing and stable bread wheat genotypes using the Genotype by Yield × Trait (GYT) biplot approach as traditional selection indices. Twelve genotypes were evaluated over four growing seasons (2019–2023) under rainfed and supplementary irrigation conditions in Kurdistan Province, Iran. The GYT biplot integrated grain yield with twelve agronomic traits, allowing genotype performance to be assessed based on yield–trait combinations rather than yield alone. Principal component analysis explained 79.43% and 85.04% of the total variation under rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively. Genotype G5 consistently achieved the highest Superiority Index (SI) in both environments (SI = 2.08 under irrigation and 1.44 under rainfed conditions). Its superior ranking was primarily associated with favorable yield combinations for spike weight, thousand grain weight (TGW), and harvest index (HI). These results suggest that G5 combined favorable yield-related traits under the evaluated moisture regimes; however, the physiological mechanisms underlying this superiority require further investigation. A moderate to strong positive correlation (r= 0.59 to 0.60, P < 0.05) between the GYT-based Superiority Index (SI) under rainfed conditions and conventional drought tolerance indices, including Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP) and Stress Tolerance Index (STI), further supports the applicability of this multi-trait framework. These findings highlight the value of GYT analysis in enhancing selection efficiency and identify G5 as a promising genotype for breeding programs aimed at improving yield resilience under variable moisture conditions.
Keywords
Drought tolerance indices
Phenotypic
Selection index
Wheat
Yield components synergy.
Subjects
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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 November 2026