Performance Stability of Cotton Cultivars Across Major Regions in US Cotton Belt

Analysis of genotype by environment interactions and their influence on performance of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars can help cotton breeders improve performance stability of cultivars across environments. Data from trials of cotton cultivars under 38 environments during 2005 and 2009 across US Cotton Belt were analyzed using GGE biplot. Strong genotypic effects for lint yield relative to those of interactions were observed consistently in trials during all test years. There were no megaenvironments identified using GGE biplot. This result indicated highly unpredictable environmental factors across locations and years in the Cotton Belt.