Adaptability and stability of sesame cultivars

Abstract

Adaptability and stability of 29 sesame cultivars were evaluated in seventeen places of the Northeastern and Central-Western Brazil, from 1988 to 1991. The linear regression coefficient (b) was used to estimate adaptability, and the mean squares of regression deviation (s²d) was used to measure productive behavior of genotypes. Statistical significance (P < 0.05) was observed for environmental effect, cultivars and first order interaction between the above mentioned factors. The linear component of the interaction predominated over the nonlinear ones. The short cycle cultivars presented better adaptation to low productivity (oligotrophic) environment, while the long cycle ones showed a low adaptability behavior. The commercial cultivar CNPA - G2 presented a high grain yield and a high level of adaptability and stability.