Genotype by environment interaction and performance stability of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars grown in Dawuro zone, Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

The performance of most crop genotypes varies significantly depending on their genotype–environment interactions. Providing information on high-yielding and well-adapted common bean genotypes in a given environment is crucial for small-holder farmers to boost their productivity. A field trial was conducted at the Gendo and Wara locations over two consecutive seasons to understand genotype–environment interactions on grain yield and to identify and select common bean genotypes that were better adapted and had high yield potential for production. Ten genotypes were evaluated for their performance using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The AMMI and GGE models were used to identify superior genotypes regarding their mean grain yield performance. The AMMI analysis of variance results showed that grain yield was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced by genotype–environment interactions. This shows that genotypes varied in grain yield mean performance across environments, indicating the possibility of selecting suitable genotypes with specific and broad adaptability. The sum of squares factor indicated that grain yield variation was contributed by the genotype (61.0%), followed by the environment (29.80%) and the genotype–environment interaction effect (9.20%) of the total variation. The AMMI and GGE biplot analysis results showed that SER-119 and SER-125 were identified as the best genotypes regarding their mean grain yield performance. Additionally, the genotype selection index analysis result indicated that SER-119 and SER-125 were stable and consistently exhibited high mean performance in all evaluated settings. Therefore, SER-119 and SER-125 are prime candidates for production in various agroecologies suitable for common bean cultivation in Dawuro zones. The use of tools like GGE biplots and AMMI analysis helped visualize the genotype–environment interactions, aiding in the selection of appropriate genotypes for both specific and wide adaptability.