Stability and Adaptability Estimates of Some Safflower Cultivars and Lines in Different Environmental Conditions

The stability of ten winter safflower cultivars and lines was evaluated in three different environmental conditions in Karaj, Isfahan and Darab in Iran, a randomized complete block design with 4 replications over three years (1995, 1996 and 1997). Simple analysis of variances of grain and oil yields from each experiment showed significant differences among the genotypes. After conducting a homogeneity test for error variances, combined analysis of variance was performed. An F. test of different sources of variation revealed that the effect of genotype × year × location interactions was significant (P<1%). Analysis of the grain and oil yields using the Eberhart and Russel method showed significant difference for the main effects of genotype and genotype × environment (linear) interactions and non-significant difference for deviation from regression. According to the classification of genotypes based on the mean of grain and oil yields, coefficient of regression and deviation from regression, the new line L.R.V.51.51 with its high grain and oil yields and stability was selected as a desirable genotype.