Adaptability and stability of 34 peach genotypes for leafing under Brazilian subtropical conditions

This study aimed to evaluate adaptability and stability for leafing of peach genotypes in a subtropical climate. The design was completely randomized with three replicates (trees) and five branches per replicate in a factorial arrangement of 34 x 4 for genotypes and years, respectively. The beginning of budburst (5%), final budburst (75%) and fruit-bearing shoots formed at 45 days after the end of the budburst were evaluated for four years (2007-2010). The number of hours of temperature below 7.2 degrees C or 12 degrees C or above 20 degrees C from May to August was recorded. Adaptability and stability analyses were performed using GGE biplot methodology. 'Cascata 1063', 'Cascata 1303', 'Conserva 1187', 'Conserva 1223', 'Conserva 1396', 'Kampai', 'Libra' and 'Santa Aurea' were the peach tree genotypes with the greatest adaptability and stability for budburst trait. For fruit-bearing shoots formed, the genotypes 'Conserva 1127', 'Conserva 1216' and 'Conserva 681' had the greatest adaptability and stability. A high percentage of budburst does not necessarily lead to a high percentage of fruit-bearing shoots development. 'Ambar', 'Bonao' 'Conserva 655', 'Kampai', 'Libra', 'Rubimel' and 'Santa Aurea', showed a good percentage of budburst and development of fruit-bearing shoots, remained stable for both traits and are considered the best adapted. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved,