Analysis of yield stability and genotype-environment interaction for open-pollinated tomato varieties in the Kashmir Himalaya using the AMMI model.

This study investigates the yield stability and adaptability of sixteen open-pollinated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.) genotypes across multiple environments in the Kashmir Valley, employing Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis to examine genotype-environment interactions (GEI). A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was implemented at six locations over two years, representing the region's diverse environmental conditions. Analysis of variance indicated that the effects of environment (E), genotype (G), and GEI were all highly significant (p < 0.001) in influencing yield per hectare, with the environment contributing 47.5% of the total variation, underscoring the impact of local conditions on performance. Key stability indicators, including Weighted Average of Absolute Scores (WAAS) and Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI), assessed genotype stability and yield, with Arka Meghali and NDF-9 emerging as top-performing varieties across locations. Arka Meghali achieved the highest yield, while NDF-9 showed remarkable adaptability. The consistent rankings provided by stability indices reinforced the reliability of WAAS and MTSI as selection tools in multi-environment trials. Based on multi-environment stability analysis, Arka Meghali and NDF-9 were identified as superior open-pollinated tomato genotypes combining high yield and stability across diverse environments. These varieties are recommended for cultivation in the Kashmir Valley to enhance tomato productivity under variable agro-climatic conditions.These findings underscore the utility of GEI analysis in identifying tomato genotypes with robust yield and stability, providing valuable insights for breeding programs and crop management in ecologically sensitive regions like the Northern Himalayas. This research establishes a foundation for future studies on environmental adaptability in crop improvement, highlighting the potential of selected genotypes for sustainable cultivation in Kashmir.