Adaptability and stability of Coffea canephora to dynamic environments using the Bayesian approach

Abstract

The objective of this work was to use the Bayesian approach, modeling the interaction of coffee genotypes with the environment, using a bisegmented regression to identify stable and adapted genotypes. A group of 43 promising genotypes of Coffea canephora was chosen. The genotypes were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications of seven plants each. The experimental plot was harvested four years in the study period, according to the maturation cycle of each genotype. The proposed Bayesian methodology was implemented in the free program R using rstanarm and coda packages. It was possible to use previous information on coffee genotypes as prior information on parameter distributions of an Adaptability and Stability model, which allowed obtaining shorter credibility intervals and good evidence of low bias in the model by the determination coefficient. After fine adjustments in the approach, it was possible to make inferences about the significant GxE interaction and to discriminate the coffee genotypes regarding production, adaptability, and stability. This is still a new approach for perennials, and since it allows more accurate estimates it can be advantageous when planning breeding programs. The Z21 genotype is recommended to compose part of selected genetic material for highly technical farmers, as it responds very well to the favorable environment, being one of the most productive and with excellent stability.