Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

Plant breeders have been challenged with genotype by environment (G x E) interaction to develop high yielder and stable varieties. They have been using different univariate stability models to simplify the challenge. The major ones are coefficient of variation (CV_i), absolute rank difference (S_i¹), variance of rank (S_i²), σ_i², W_i, b_i, S_i²d, P_i, ASV and r². This study was designed in order to increase information on the associations and reliability that might exist among stability models. The study was carried out on 15 common bean varieties replicated three times at Kobo, Sirinka, Jari, Chefa, Shewarobit and Kogo in 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 in Ethiopia. A combined analysis of variance, stability statistics and rank correlations among stability parameters and yield were determined. The varieties differed significantly for seed yield at P = 0.001. The different stability parameters were categorized into three types. Based on the correlation analysis SY, CV_i (type I), P_i, (type II), b_i and r² (type III) were strongly correlated. Moreover, S_i¹, S_i² (type I), W_i², σ_i 2(type II), S_i²d and ASV (type III) were correlated at P = 0.01. On the other hand, SY with CV_i and P_i; CV_i with b_i and r²; b_i with P_i; P_i with r² were correlated negatively at P = 0.01 while r² with S_i¹, S_i², W_i²and σ_i² were moderate and negatively correlated. Coefficient of determination (r²) had strong association with eight of the stability parameters. AMMI Stability Value (ASV) and deviation from regression (S_i²d) had also strong association with five of the models. Consequently, they can explain stability of varieties better following coefficient of determination. Thus, bean breeders can use those three stability models for better explanation and interpretation of G x E interaction of varieties/genotypes.