The objective of this study was to determine the optimal number of tests required to predict the performance of grain yield of wheat genotypes in different regions of Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU), with a view to selecting and recommending cultivars. Grain yield data from 285 field trials at 31 locations in the VCU Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4 in 2007-2011 were used. There are differences among VCU regions with reference to the repeatability coefficient and the number of tests required for a predetermined accuracy. It was noted the need to raise the number of tests VCU regions 2 and 4 and reduce the number of trials in the regions of VCU 1 and 3. In regions VCU 1, 2, 3 and 4, to a level of 80% accuracy, are required 8, 14, 10 and 12 tests, respectively.
Triticum aestivum L; genotype x environment interaction; repeatability; selection