Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the yield stability across the plant densities. Amaranth genotypes were evaluated for yield characters under very high (D₁), high (D₂), normal (D₃) and low (D₄) plant density levels to determine stability parameters. The study was conducted at Karaikal, Puduchery, India during November, 2007 to February, 2008. The results revealed that genotype Annapurna was stable for grain yield in all plant density levels. Genotypes BGA 2, GA 2 and IC 415290 were stable for total carbohydrates and protein content, and could be utilized for improvement of these traits in breeding programs. Genotype GA 2 was stable for weight of the inflorescence in all plant density levels. Similarly, SKNA 601 was stable for leaf area at 50% flowering in all plant density levels. Among the characters studied, length of the rachis per inflorescence, total carbohydrates and protein content were found to be relatively stable in all plant density levels. Therefore, the above said traits are important, while exercising selection for different density levels.

Key words: Amaranthus hypochondriacus, grain yield, stability parameters, selection.