Yield stability and jassid resistance in intra-hirsutum hybrids: Multi-environment evaluation using stability tools

Genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) is a major challenge in developing cotton hybrids with stable performance across diverse agro-ecologies, often resulting in yield and fibre quality instability with significant economic implications. This study evaluated 39 intra-hirsutum cotton hybrids to identify high-performing and stable hybrids with resistance to jassid infestation. Yield was assessed across three locations, while jassid resistance was independently screened under unsprayed hotspot conditions. Based on the jassid injury index, 18 hybrids were classified as resistant and 15 as moderately resistant to jassids. Combined ANOVA results showed that genotype and GEI significantly (p < 0.01) influenced seed cotton yield, demonstrating the critical role of stability-focused selection in cotton breeding. Yield stability was assessed using multiple statistical approaches, including stability indices, GGE biplots, Y × WAAS (yield versus weighted average of absolute scores) biplots and WAASBY (weighted average of absolute scores and yield) heat maps to improve the accuracy, reliability and interpretability of the results. GGE biplots highlighted E3 as the most discriminating environment, with hybrids H39, H01 and H25 as the best performers. Across all statistical analyses, H38, H13, H22 and H26 were consistently identified as high-performing and stable hybrids. Robust statistical analyses combined with hotspot screening identified H13, H22 and H26 as superior performers in yield and stability with jassid resistance. These hybrids represent valuable resources for breeding programs aimed at yield stability with jassid resistance in cotton.