Twelve common beans cultivars and lines were evaluated in São Paulo State, Brazil according to 24 environments (growing season, years and locations). The yield stability and adaptability were determined by two methods of analysis and their efficiency evaluated. IAC-Carioca and IAC-Una cultivars were used as standards for grain types carioca and black, respectively. For each environment the experiment was set up in randomized complete block design with four replications, each of them consisting of two central lines of five long flanked by two border lines. Stability and adaptability were estimated using two methods, Cruz and colleagues, modified by Carneiro. The results indicated that Rudá, Gen12, IAC-Carioca Eté and FT-Bonito cultivars are recommended for planting in several environments, due to their wide adaptability. Considering the adaptability to specific environment, the more stable cultivars were FT-Nobre, FT-Bonito and Rudá (rainy growing season); Rudá, IAC-Carioca Eté and Gen12 (dry season); and Pérola, FT-Bonito and Gen12 (winter season). The two methods of stability and adaptability evaluated were in disagreement. The Lin and Binns method identified the most stable, responsive and highest yielding cultivars. This method is efficient, simple and has unique parameters that can be easily interpreted. Therefore, it is suggested that the selection and recommendation of cultivars for wide or specific adaptation, be based on results indicated by Lin and Binns method.
Phaseolus vulgaris L.; adaptability; stability; cultivar recommendation; grain yield