Estimation of Adaptability and Stability of New Spring Safflower Lines for Seed and Oil Yields in Different Environmental Conditions

The seed and oil yields stability of seven spring safflower advanced lines were evaluated in four different environmental conditions of Karaj, Isfahan, Islamabad and Zarghan in a randomized complete block design with four replications for two years (2002 -2004). The results showed significant differences among the genotypes in different locations and years. After homogeneity test for error variances, combined analysis of variance was performed. F test of different sources of variation revealed that the effect of genotype × year × location interaction was significant (P < 1%). Stability of genotypes were evaluated using Eberhart and Russell and Francis and Kannenberg methods. The results showed significant differences for the main effects of genotype and environment × genotypes and deviation from regression. According to the classification of genotypes based on the mean of seed and oil yields, coefficient of regression equal to unity and less deviation from regression and coefficient of variability (CV%), lines I.L.111 and Isfahan-14 with the highest seed yield (1660 and 1611 kgha-1, respectively) and stability were selected as desirable genotypes.