Genotype by environmental interaction and yield stability analysis of desi-type chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties in northwest Amhara, Ethiopia

Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) is an important food legume in Ethiopia; however, its production is constrained by various biotic and abiotic factors. Grain yield is a complex quantitative trait that is strongly influenced by environmental conditions and genotype × environment interaction. Therefore, multi-environment trials are essential for identifying high-yielding and stable chickpea genotypes with broad adaptation. This study aimed to evaluate the grain yield performance and stability of desi-type chickpea varieties across six test environments in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia during the 2022 and 2023 cropping seasons. Combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant ( P ≤ 0.01) effects of genotype, environment, and genotype × environment interaction on grain yield, indicating substantial variation among varieties and environments and differential varietal responses across environments. Minjar and Fetenech produced the highest mean grain yields, 2.20 and 2.11 t ha⁻¹, respectively, whereas Dimtu and Natoli had the lowest yields, 1.82 and 1.67 t ha⁻¹, respectively. Environments E5 and E6 were the most productive, with mean yields of 2.39 and 2.35 t ha⁻¹, respectively, while E4 was the least productive environment (1.45 t ha⁻¹). GGE biplot and AMMI analyses identified Minjar, Dalota, and Mastewal as varieties combining high grain yield with greater stability across environments. The results demonstrate substantial genotype × environment interaction for grain yield among desi-type chickpea varieties. Minjar, Dalota, and Mastewal showed high yield and relatively stable performance across the tested environments and therefore have potential for broad adaptation in the Amhara region. Multi-environment testing can support the identification and selection of stable, high-yielding chickpea varieties for increased and more reliable chickpea production in Ethiopia.