Genotype × Year Interaction and Stability Analysis of Quantitative Traits in Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) in Eastern India

Genotype × environment interaction (GEI) influences plant phenotypes; understanding its effect on different traits and cultivars is critical for breeding programs. A 4‐year (from 2015–16 to 2018–19) study was conducted at Kalyani, West Bengal, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to assess 35 genotypes for 8 agronomic traits. Combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant effects ( p < 0.001) of genotype, environment (year), and GEI for all traits except DM. GEI contributed notably to total variation, including 32.6% for grain yield, 28.3% for pods per plant, 18.7% for plant height, and 39.9% for days to flowering, reflecting differential genotype responses across years. AMMI analysis confirmed significant multiplicative effects, with the first two interaction principal components (IPCA1 and IPCA2) capturing 94%–100% of the GEI variation. WAASB biplots and WAASBY indices facilitated identification and ranking of genotypes combining high yield and stability. Multitrait selection using MGIDI, MTSI, FAI‐BLUP, and Smith–Hazel indices indicated MGIDI as the most efficient, achieving 100% selection efficiency, a mean genetic selection differential of 5.29%, and predicted genetic gain of 2.60%. Genotypes PUSA 362, RSG 896, and BGD 103 consistently exhibited superior yield and stability across environments.