ADAPTABILITY AND STABILITY OF COWPEA GENOTYPES VIA REML/BLUP AND GGE BIPLOT

Several methodologies have been proposed in order to measure the influence that genotype-by-environment interaction exerts on the various characters of interest. The mixed models using REML/BLUP and GGE Biplot have been mentioned as advantageous to identify superior genotypes. The use of environmental information can be useful to find the factors that are in the real difference between the genotypes. The objective of this study was to compare statistical methodologies for the adaptability and stability analysis of cowpea genotypes in value for cultivation and use testings. The experiments were carried out from March to July 2016 and 2017, in the municipalities of Dourados and Aquidauana. A randomized complete block design was used, with 14 genotypes and four replicates, 12 advanced lines and two commercial cultivars. After detecting significant genotype-by-environment interaction, the adaptability and phenotypic stability of cowpea genotypes were analyzed by the GGE Biplot and REML/BLUP. Both methodologies were concordant in the identification of the best cowpea genotypes for the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. The genotypes 6 (Pingo-de-ouro 1-5-4), 10 (Pingo-de-ouro 1-5-10) and 8 (Pingo-de-ouro 1-5-7) are the most suitable to be grown in the State, because they have gathered high grain yield, adaptability and stability.