ABSTRACT
The restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased predictor methodology (REML/BLUP) has been used for the interpretation of genotypic stability and adaptability of crops such as common bean, sugarcane, cashew, eucalyptus and rice, but researches with cotton are still limited. The aim of this work was to select cotton genotypes, via mixed models, which simultaneously meet adaptability and stability and verify if this methodology can be used in genetic improvement programs in cotton. Thirty-six strains were evaluated in three trials located in Apodi, Rio Grande do Norte (2013 and 2014), and Santa Helena, Goiás (2013), in a randomized block design with two replications. The genetic parameters were estimated by REML/ BLUP methodology, and the selection was based on the method of the harmonic mean of the relative performance of the genetic values (MHPRVG), with three strategies: selection based on the predicted genetic value, considering the average performance of genotypes in all environments (without interaction effect); performance in each environment (with interaction effect); and simultaneous selection as to cotton yield, stability and adaptability. The CNPA 2012-60 and CNPA 2012-65 genotypes may be grown in environments similar to those tested, since they present high adaptability and productive stability of cotton. There was agreement among the statistics used in discrimination of the most productive genotypes with high adaptability and stability, indicating that they can be part of selective criteria in the routine of cotton breeding programs.
Key words
mixed models; genetic parameters; Gossypium hirsutum; Selegen software
