Genotype-by-environment interaction and yield stability of maize (Zea Mays L.) single cross hybrids

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops of India in terms of production and consumption.Maize is called as Queen of cereal crops. Currently, it is produced in all the agro-ecological zones of the countryIn India, Genotype by Environment interactions (GxE) effects on maize grain yield is usually significant due to thediverse environmental conditions at growing sites. A proper understanding of the effects of GxE on variety evaluationand cultivar recommendations is vital. The study was conducted in 2019 at four locations in India to (i) determinethe presence of G x E of 106single cross maize genotypes and (ii) To use the GGE biplot methodology to determinegrain yield performance and stability of the genotypes evaluated across four environments. The effects of genotypeand environment were significant (P < 0.01) for grain yield. Also, GxE was significant for the same trait. G44,G105, G86, G97, G65 and G76 were identified as high yielding and most stable hybrids. Therefore, these hybridshave the potential for production across the test locations. On the contrary, G26, G10, G81, G102, G96 and G22were not only low yielding but also among the least stable genotypes