Yield stability and GxE interaction of green-seeded fenugreek across diverse environments using multivariate models.

Green-seeded fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) constitutes a valuable genetic resource owing to its elevated chlorophyll concentration and enhanced nutraceutical potential. However, information regarding its performance and stability across diverse agro-climatic conditions remains limited. The present study evaluated four green-seeded genotypes (IC-0633364, IC-0633365, IC-0633366, and IC-0633369) together with three commercial cultivars (Ajmer Fenugreek-4, Ajmer Fenugreek-5, and Hisar Manohar) across nine contrasting environments to elucidate genotype × environment (G×E) interactions and identify stable, high-performing genotypes. Eleven phenological, growth, and yield-related traits and eight biochemical attributes were assessed using combined analysis of variance, additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), genotype plus genotype × environment (GGE) biplot, factor analysis, multi-trait stability index (MTSI) and Multi-Trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI). Combined ANOVA revealed highly significant (p < 0.001) effects of genotype, environment, and G×E interaction for most traits, highlighting substantial variation in genotype responses across environments. AMMI and GGE biplot analyses demonstrated distinct patterns of adaptation and trait expression, with AFg5 exhibiting superior performance for seed yield, biological yield, and pods per plant, whereas AFg4 excelled for plant height and test weight. Among the evaluated entries, IC 66, IC 65, and IC 69 consistently exhibited superior multi-trait performance and recorded the lowest MTSI values, indicating better multi-trait stability across environments; MGIDI analysis further supported the favourable multi-trait profiles of these genotypes based on their strength and weakness contributions. Furthermore, IC 65 possessed the highest chlorophyll content, while IC 66 exhibited superior protein and nitrogen concentrations. The integration of stability and multi-trait analyses demonstrated that green-seeded fenugreek can successfully combine agronomic resilience with enhanced biochemical quality. These genotypes constitute valuable breeding resources for the development of nutritionally superior and widely adapted fenugreek cultivars for diverse production environments.