Adaptability and yield stability of cowpea elite lines of semi-prostrate growth habit in the cerrado biome

The effects of the genotype x environment interaction can be reduced by using cultivars with high adaptability and good yield stability. Studies on this subject allow identification of genotypes of predictable behavior, and responsive to environmental variations in specific and general conditions, in favorable or unfavorable environments. The objective of this work was to evaluate the adaptability and phenotypic stability of cowpea elite lines of semi-prostrate growth habit in the Cerrado biome in Brazil. Twenty cowpea genotypes of semi-prostrate growth habit were evaluated in nine VCU (value for cultivation and use) tests from 2010 to 2012. Grain yield data were subjected to analysis of variance, and stability and adaptability analyses were carried out by the methods of Eberhart and Russell (1966), Lin and Binns (1988) (modified), Wricke (1965), and Annicchiarico (1992). The method of Wricke (1965) was not very descriptive, since it indicates only the contribution of each genotype to the genotype x environment interaction. The results obtained by the methods of Lin and Binns (1988) (modified), Annicchiarico (1992) and Eberhart and Russell (1966) were more descriptive, and similar in indicating the most promising cultivar (BRS-Xiquexique) and lines (Pingo-de-Ouro-1-2, MNC02-676F-1, MNC01-649F-2-1 and MNC02-677F- 2). These lines have potential for the development of new cultivars because they present adaptability and yield stability in the Cerrado biome of Brazil.