Adaptability and stability of corn cultivars in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors
Ana Brito
Empresa Pernambucana de Pesquisa Agropecuária
José Tabosa
Empresa Pernambucana de Pesquisa Agropecuária
Hélio Carvalho
Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros
Manoel Santos
Embrapa Milho e Sorgo
José Tavares
Empresa Pernambucana de Pesquisa Agropecuária
Flavio Dias
Empresa Pernambucana de Pesquisa Agropecuária
Marta Nascimento
Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros
José Filho
Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros
Evanildes Souza
Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros
Keywords:
Zea mays L., forecast, varieties, hybrids, interaction hybrids x environment.
Abstract
Aiming to recommend corn plants stable and adaptable for local growers, 15 varieties and 7 hybrids of corn were studied in Pernambuco State, Brazil, from 1998 to 2000 and from 2001 to 2003. The experimental design applied was randomized blocks, with three replications. Adaptability and stability parameters were estimated using the bilinear regression methodology. Analysis of variance showed that cultivars behavior maybe affected by environmental factors. The results pointed toward higher adaptability for the hybrids, as compared to that of the varieties. Thus, it can be said that the hybrids constitute a good alternative for farmers who want to invest in technology. Varieties and hybrids that showed high adaptability represent important alternatives for the local agriculture.
