Comparison of stability methods in elephant-grass genotypes for energy purposes.

Elephant grass is a plant of tropical origin with high biomass-production potential that stands out today as an alternative energy source. The potential of its genotypes depends on the genotype × environment interaction. The objective of this study was to estimate the genotype × environment interaction and compare stability methods in elephant grass for biomass production in a biannual cutting regime. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with two replicates and evaluations of 73 elephant-grass genotypes in six cuts. The trait dry matter yield was utilized for the analysis of the genotype × environment interaction and the stability. The stability analysis methods employed were those of Yates and Cochran, Plaisted and Peterson, Wricke, Annicchiarico, Lin and Binns, and Huehn. Kang and Phan?s ranking was adopted for all the methods. Spearman?s coefficient was utilized to evaluate the degree of agreement between the different methods employed. Significant differences were observed for the genotype × environment interaction. Non-parametric Lin and Binns? and Annicchiarico?s methods were more discriminating than the analysis of variance methods in the evaluation of stability and productivity of the tested genotypes