YIELD AND FRUIT SIZE STABILITY DIFFERS AMONG BELL PEPPER CULTIVARS

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars were grown in nine Florida environments to evaluate phenotypic stability of marketable fruit yiel d (t.ha(-1)) and mean fruit size (g/fruit). A stable cultivar excelled for a particular trait when grown in either favorable or unfavorable environments. A stable cultivar for a given trait was defined as one w ith an individual mean greater than the grand mean (mean of all cultiv ars) ((x) over bar > (X) over bar), a regression coefficient (b(1)) le ss than or equal to 1 (individual genotypic mean regressed against env ironmental means), nonsignificant deviation mean squares from regressi on (S(2)d), coefficient of linear determination (R(2)) > 0.50, and coe fficient of variation (cv) < the pooled cv. 'Ssupersweet 860', 'Whoppe r Improved', and 'Ranger' were stable for mean marketable fruit weight s and fruit size, and 'Ssupersweet 860' and 'Whopper Improved' were st able for mean fruit size. Bell pepper cultivars were differentiated fo r phenotypic stability of yield and fruit size or adaptability to dive rse environments. Therefore, through stability analyses, bell pepper p lant breeders can identify cultivars or select advanced breeding lines that express adaptability for fruit yields or size to diverse environ mental conditions or cultural practices.