Abstract

Seven haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties were evaluated in 2000 to 2001 and 2001 to 2002 cropping seasons at three representative locations in northwest Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to evaluate genotype x environment interactions (GEIs) and grain yield stability in multi-environmental trials across wide ecological locations. The trial was laid out in the randomized complete block design with three replications. Combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) and various statistical models that simultaneously combine high yield and stability of performance were applied for evaluation of the effect of GEI, genotype classifications and stability. The ANOVA showed highly significant (p < 0.01) grain yield difference among the varieties, environments and variety x environment interactions for grain yield. Atendaba and Roba-1 were found to be widely adaptable and high yielding varieties with mean grain yield levels of 3,109 and 2,382 kg ha^-1, respectively. Hence, they are recommended for further use within the northwest region of the country.

Key words: Genotype by environment interactions, grain yield, haricot bean, stability.