Simultaneous selection for high yield and stability in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes

Abstract

Phenotypic yield stability is a trait of special interest for plant breeders and farmers. This value can be quantified if genotypes are evaluated in different environments. Common bean is the main cash crop and protein source of farmers in many lowland and mid-altitude areas of Ethiopia. An experiment was undertaken to evaluate common bean genotypes for yield performance at Alemaya, Bako and Nazreth in Ethiopia for 3 years. The yield performance of genotypes was subjected to stability analysis and yield-stability statistics were generated to aid the selection of genotypes that were high yielding and very stable. The significant genotype by environment interaction indicated that the relative performance of the varieties altered in the different environments. Genotype yield performance varied ranging from 1511–2216 kg/ha. Simultaneous selection for yield and yield-stability statistics using YS(i) statistics indicated that A 410, GLP x92, Mx-2500-19, G 2816, A-195, 997-CH-1173, Diacol calima, ICA 15541 and AND 635 were both high yielding and stable. Following this study, using farmers’ evaluation and other criteria, GLP x92 and G-2816 were identified as preferred genotypes and were released for further production.