Environment adaptability and yield stability of fifteen cowpea cultivars in Serra do Mel

Abstract

Fifteen cowpea cultivars (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) have been tested as to their adaptability and yield stability in three environments (years) in Colonization Project's area, Serra do Mel, Rio Grande do Norte State, Northeastern Brazil. The method of stability analysis proposed by Finlay & Wilkinson used in this study indicated that Lisão cultivar presented a high degree of yield stability and wide environment adaptability. José dos Santos and Alagoas V-4 cultivars showed a high degree of yleld stability and specifically adapted to unfavourable environments. Praiano, TVu 2331 and Seridó cultivars presented average yield stability and poorly adapted to all environments. Sempre Verde and TVu-735-P₂ cultivars showed low yield stability and specifically adapted to favourable environments. Balinha, IPEAN VII, TVu 4369, Pitiúba and Branguinho cultivars presented average yield stability and adaptability. Alagoano and Rubi V-11 showed average yield stability and wide environment adaptability.