The analysis of adaptability and stability of wheat genotypes helps the plant breeder in the recommendation of new cultivars, recommending lines of broad or specific adaptation to environments. This procedure is particularly important in wheat cropping, mainly when the great diversity of environments to which this cereal is submitted in Brazil is taken into consideration. Thus, the objective of this work was to identify broadly adapted and stable wheat genotypes for recommendation. Data for the analyses were obtained from the experiment Value of Cultivation and Use (VCU) set up in the different adaptation Brazilian regions, in 2003 and 2004. A complete randomized block experimental design with four repetitions was used. The analyzed variable was grain yield. For comparison purposes, three cultivars were used as checks: CEP 24, BRS 194, and Ônix. To determine the adaptability and the stability of genotypes, methods described by Eberhart & Russel and by Lin & Binns were used. Four genotypes showed broad adaptability and stability (beta=1 e S²d=0) through Eberhar & Russel’s method; from these, two did not differ statistically from the best check. Determination coefficients were significant and explained the performance of all evaluated genotypes (R²>80% and significant). Lin & Binns model generated results coherent with Eberhart & Russel’s one in most of the evaluated lines. PF 990313 and PF 980524 genotypes performed outstandingly as to their broad adaptation and average productivity and can be recommended for all of the wheat growing regions of Brazil.
Triticum aestivum; cultivars; germplasm; genetic breeding
