Onion (Allium cepa) is a major source of rural income in the tropical semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil. Nevertheless, local farmers still depend heavily on imported hybrid seeds. We assessed genotype-by-environment (G×E) interaction and identified broadly adapted and more phenotypically stable onion hybrids originated from the Brazilian breeding program. Twelve experimental hybrids, two commercial hybrids and one open-pollinated cultivar were evaluated across eight semi-arid environments (Bahia and Pernambuco states) under a randomized complete block design with two replications. Marketable bulb yield was analyzed by combined ANOVA and by two stability approaches, Eberhart–Russell regression and AMMI biplot. In addition, marketable yield was also evaluated with a covariance adjustment using marketable stand as a covariate. Significant G×E interaction was detected, and both methods consistently highlighted two high-yielding hybrids (‘EPCEB20H037’ and ‘EHCEB21H0507’) as the ones with superior adaptation and more stable performances. These results support the use of locally developed onion hybrids to improve yield and reduce seed costs across the Brazilian semi-arid region.
Santos et al. (Tue,) studied this question.