Stability Analysis of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids for Grain Yield and Its Attributing Traits Using Eberhart and Russel Model

Abstract

A genotype is considered to be most adaptive / stable, when it registers high mean yield but show a minimum interaction with the environment. Knowledge of genotype × environment interaction and yield stability are important parameters in breeding new cultivars with improved adaptation to environmental constraints prevailing in the target environments. Therefore, an effort was made to know the genotype - environment interaction and to identify stable single cross hybrids across the environments. Eight newly synthesized single cross maize hybrids and 7 checks were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design with three replications during Rabi-2016 across three locations spread over different agro-climatic zones of Karnataka state, India. Different stability parameters as suggested by Eberhart and Russell [1] were estimated. Joint analysis of variance revealed significant differences among environments, hybrids and environments × hybrids interactions advocating the adequacy of stability analysis. Hybrids, viz., MAI 349×MAI 283, KDMI 16×BGUDI 118 were stable for days to anthesis and silking, respectively. Whereas, hybrids viz., KDMI 16×BGUDI 118, BGUDI 120×VL 109252 and MAI 283× KDMI 16 registered mean values lower than the overall mean with bi value nearer to unity and non significant S2di for anthesis silking interval. Hybrid, MAI 349×MAI 283 for plant height and cob length, KDMI 16×MAI 283 for cob length, number of kernel rows-1 and 100 grain weight, BGUDI 88×MAI 349 for cob diameter, MAI 394×BGUDI 88 for shelling % and KDMI 16×BGUDI 118 for grain yield plant-1 registered stable performance across the environments. Based on the positive and negative environmental indices, production environment at location 1 (K Block UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru), was most favorable for expression of majority of characters studied. Hybrid KDMI 16×MAI 283 was found stable across the environments for most of the characters studied.

Assessment of Genotype × Environment Interaction and Phenotypic Stability in Single Cross Hybrids Subjected to Drought Stress in Maize (Zea mays L.)

“…For the quality traits, the hybrids L7×T3, L9×T3 and L13×T3 for grain protein content, and L1×T1 for grain starch content were found absolutely stable over varying environments. The outcomes were in accordance with Adebayo and Menkir (2014), Raj et al (2019), Arunkumar et al (2020) and Chouhan et al (2021). The hybrids found stable over the different environments for higher grain yield and other traits have been listed in Table 5.…”

“…Among the other hybrids, L6×T2 for 50 per cent tasseling, L14×T2 and L1×T3 for 50 per cent silking, and L6×T1, L8×T1, L10×T1, L14×T1, L15×T1, L9×T2, L12×T2, L4×T3, L7×T3 and L15×T3 for anthesissilking interval were found absolutely stable over varying environments for early flowering, therefore these hybrids should be taken under consideration for multi-location trials aimed at identifying hybrids for early flowering under stressed and non-stressed environments. The similar reports were advocated by Haruna et al (2017), Sowmya et al (2018), Raj et al (2019) and Arunkumar et al (2020).…”

Genotype x Environment interaction and stability analysis in maize around Southern Aravalli Hilly Ranges of Rajasthan

“…Similarly, three top hybrids found suitable for poor environments (b i <1) were EI-2176-3 x EI-03, EI-2505 x EI-670 and EI-2653 x EI-03 with non-significant non-linear estimates for the trait grain yield per plant. Similar findings of selection of genotypes for yield and component traits were also reported byLata et al (2010),Karadavut and Akili (2012),Bharathiveeramani et al (2017),Ahmed et al (2017),Synrem et al (2017),Raj et al (2019) andArunkumar et al (2020) in maize.…”

Assessment of G x E Interactions in Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids for Yield using AMMI and GGE Models

“…As a multipurpose crop, maize is used as food, feed and fodder. The genetic potential of maize to produce high yield under wide range of environment is what makes this cereal crop "queen of cereals" (Arunkumar et al, 2020). Maize contributes a major share into the global food bowl and more than 150 Mha of maize is cultivated, accounting for nearly 36% of the total food grain production (Sah et al, 2020).…”

“…Maize contributes a major share into the global food bowl and more than 150 Mha of maize is cultivated, accounting for nearly 36% of the total food grain production (Sah et al, 2020). The adoption of high yielding maize hybrids instead of traditionally used open pollinated varieties (OPV) has contributed vastly towards a quantum jump in production (Arunkumar et al, 2020).…”