ADAPTABILITY AND STABILITY OF SESAME CULT IVARS

Adaptability and stability of 29 sesame cultivars were evaluated in se venteen places of the Northeastern and Central-Western Brazil, from 19 88 to 1991. The linear regression coefficient (b) was used to estimate adaptability, and the mean squares of regression deviation (s2d) was used to measure productive behavior of genotypes. Statistical signific ance (P<0.05) was observed for environmental effect, cultivars and fir st order interaction between the above mentioned factors. The linear c omponent of the interaction predominated over the non-linear ones. The short cycle cultivars presented better adaptation to low productivity (oligotrophic) environment, while the long cycle ones showed a low ad aptability behavior. The commercial cultivar CNPA - G2 presented a hig h grain yield and a high level of adaptability and stability.