Genotype x environment interaction effects on the iron content of common bean grains

Iron deficiency in the human organism is a serious public health problem throughout the world. In the human food, one of the main sources of this mineral element is legumes, among which the common beans are important. The objective of this experiment was to study the genotype x environment interaction effects on the grain bean iron content to estimate the adaptation and stability of common bean genotypes in three environments. The experiments were carried out in Londrina, Marechal Cândido Rondon and Iguatemi, in Parana state, Brazil, from September to December 1998. Twenty-five common bean genotypes were assessed in randomized complete block designs with four replications. Nitroperchloric digestion was performed and the iron was quantified in ground bean grains, using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The genotypes Iapar-57 and Perola are recommended for cropping based on the adaptation and stability results. They showed superior grain iron content, had wide adaptation (Bli = 1) and good predictability (σ 2 di = 0).