Grain yield stability by different statistical models in small seeded common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes at diverse agroecologies of Ethiopia

Abstract Common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an essential legume crop in Ethiopia with the potential to contribute to the agricultural system and food security. Since limited productivity is one of the main problems in the study region, stability analysis is essential to enhance productivity by identifying superior genotypes. Thus, this study was conducted to identify common bean genotypes that perform best and are stable at diverse agroecologies. The experiment was carried out on twenty‐five small‐seeded genotypes grown at four agroecologies for 2021–2022, using a triple lattice design. Evaluation was conducted on nine quantitative traits related to yield. To analyze the performance and stability of the genotypes, analysis of variance (ANOVA), AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction), AMMI stability value (ASV) rank, WAASB (weighted average of absolute scores biplot), genotype selection index (GSI), and GGE biplot analysis were used. The ANOVA revealed highly significant ( p < 0.001) effects of genotypes, environment, and genotype‐by‐environment interaction for all traits, except the nonsignificant environmental effect for plant height and hundred seed weight. The result of AMMI indicated that Alemtena and Negele Arsi were stable environments and identified G22, G24, and G21 as stable genotypes. However, the GGE identified the mega‐environments and best yielding common bean for each environment. The other statistical model, WAASB, identified Mieso as the most representative and discriminating environment, and GSI considered G11, G21, and G24 as desirable genotypes. Both AMMI and ASV identified G18, G21, and G24 as stable genotypes across the tested areas and are recommended for mega‐environment production, and Alemtena as an ideal location for the selection of common bean genotypes, since it shows high representativeness and discrimination ability.