Adaptability and stability of erect cowpea genotypes via REML/BLUP and GGE Biplot

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the GGE Biplot and REML/BLUP methods and select cowpea genotypes that meet simultaneously high grain yield, adaptability and stability in the Mato Grosso do Sul environments. The experiments were carried out from February to July 2010, 2011 and 2012 in the municipalities of Dourados, Aquidauana and Chapadao do Sul. The experiments in Chapadao do Sul were conducted only in the years of 2010 and 2011, totaling eight environments. After detecting significant genotypes x environments (GE) interaction, the adaptability and the phenotypic stability of cowpea genotypes were analyzed by GGE Biplot and REML/BLUP methods. These methods were concordant in the identification of the best cowpea genotypes for the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. The BRS-Tumucumaque and BRS-Guariba cultivars are the closest to the ideal in terms of high grain yield and phenotypic stability, being suitable for cultivation in the State.