AbstractBACKGROUND: Genotype–environment (GE) interaction has been a major effect to determine stable lens (Lens culinaris (Medik.) Merr.) cultivars for chemical composition in Turkey. Utilization of the lines depends on their agronomic traits and stability of the chemical composition in diverse environments. The objectives of this study were: (i) to evaluate the influence of year and location on the chemical composition of lens genotypes; and (ii) to determine which cultivar is the most stable. Genotypes were evaluated over 3 years (2005, 2006 and 2007) at four locations in Turkey. Effects of year had the largest impact on all protein contents.RESULTS: GE interaction was analyzed by using linear regression techniques. Stability was estimated using the Eberhart and Russell method. ‘Kışlık Kırmızı51’ was the most stable cultivar for grain yield. The highest protein was obtained from ‘Kışlık Kırmızı51’ (4.6%) across environments. According to stability analysis, ‘Fırat 87’ had the most stable chemical composition. This genotype had a regression coefficient (bi = 1) around unity, and deviations from regression values (δij = 0) around zero.CONCLUSION: Chemical composition was affected by year in this study. Temperature might have an effect on protein, oil, carbohydrate, fibre and ash. Fırat 87 could be recommended for favourable environments. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry