Adaptability and stability of soybean (Glycine max L.) genotypes in semiarid conditions

Soybean production in Brazil is concentrated in the central and southern regions of the country, although expansion is occurring toward the northeast, where semi-arid conditions are predominant. There is little information on the behavior of soybean cultivars in semiarid climates; therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction of soybean genotypes by environment, adaptability, and phenotypic stability under semiarid conditions. Twenty-one genotypes were evaluated in four sowing seasons (September 25, 2016, March 29, 2017, September 30, 2017, and March 16, 2018) for grain yield and related components in a completely randomized block design with four replications per season. The adaptability and phenotypic stability of genotypes were studied using the GGE biplot and harmonic mean of the relative performance of genotypic values methods. The genotype × environment interaction (GEI) of soybean is predominantly crossed, creating challenges for cultivar recommendation in semiarid regions. The methodologies chosen are appropriate for studying the GEI, and produce complementary results according to the interpretation of the breeder. The most adapted and stable genotypes for grain productivity are BRS Pérola, BMX OPUS IPRO, Pampeana 007 RR, Pampeana 20 RR, and BRS Sambaíba RR.