Md Arafat Hossain, Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, S M Hisam Al Rabbi, Shampa Das Joya, Md Masud Rana, Md Hasibur Rahaman Hera, Rishad Sharmin, Ripon Kumar Roy
Confronting the challenges of climate change, population expansion, and food security in Bangladesh demands the development of high-yielding, resilient rice varieties adapted to various agro-ecological zones. This study aimed to identify superior rice genotypes with consistent performance during the dry season (November-May) under irrigated condition using multi-environment trials (METs) at ten locations. Seven genotypes, along with a control variety, were evaluated for grain yield and agronomic parameters, including plant height, growth duration, panicle number, filled spikelets per panicle, and thousand-grain weight (TGW). The genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) was analyzed, and stability was assessed using Weighted Average of Absolute Scores with Yield (WAASBY) and Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI) metrics. Results revealed significant GEI effects, with genotype BR(Bio)9777-116-12-2-5 demonstrating the highest yield and stability across environments. Grain yield showed strong positive correlations with most traits except TGW. WAASBY analysis identified BR(Bio)9777-116-12-2-5 as top-performing and stable genotypes, whereas others, such as BR(Bio)9777-84-4-1-1 and BR(Bio)9777-123-4-6-1 were less productive and unstable. MTSI further confirmed the exceptional performance of BR(Bio)9777-116-12-2-5, highlighting its suitability for varied agro-ecological zones. These outcomes underscore the significance of combining yield and stability metrics in breeding programs providing a valuable framework for developing climate-resilient rice varieties to enhance productivity and ensure food security in Bangladesh. This research offers valuable guidance for addressing emerging agricultural challenges and promoting sustainable food systems in the face of global environmental and population pressures.