ADAPTATION AND STABILITY OF FIELD PEAS (Pisum sativum L.) CULTIVARS

A small-plot field trial was carried out from 2012 to 2014 with five field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars with origin Ukraine and Bulgaria. The performance, adaptability and stability of the tested pea cultivars were determined in relation of seed yield (kg da-1) and yield components. The traits plant height, pods per plant, seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, 1000 seed weight and seed yield showed a significant genotype-environment interaction which indicates the participation of different genetic systems in their control. According to the used models in this study, the genotype Svit was stable and widely adapted. The genotypes Kamerton and Glyans were well adapted to seed yield in good environments. They are sensitive to changes in environmental conditions. Pleven was the most stable genotype having score closer to zero, indicating that seed yield did not increase as environmental index increased. Glyans was classified as cultivar with high general adaptability for seed weight per plant, 1000 seed weight and grain yield. For almost all traits Kamerton and Modus were classified as having adaptability above the average while Pleven 4 was classified as poorly adapted cultivar for seed weight per plant, 1000 seed weight and seed yield. The genotypes exhibited specific adaptation ability to different environment; therefore, they represent interest for breeding programs as initial plant material for combinative selection.