Stability analysis of promising winter maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids tested across Bihar using GGE biplot and AMMI model approach

Abstract

Multilocation evaluation facilitates the quantification of genotype-environment interaction (GEI) and the identification of high-yielding, stable hybrids along with partitioning the evaluating location into mega environments. Testing of 24 single cross hybrids and four checks across three environments revealed the significant GEI for all the studied traits. The environment contributed 12.90, 57.10, and 17.59% of the total variation for grain yield, anthesis silking interval, and days to maturity. The study indicated a negative genotypic correlation among grain yield and anthesis silking interval (-0.2244); days to maturity and anthesis silking interval (-0.019), whereas the positive correlation between grain yield and days to maturity (0.067). Location Sabour was found as the most representative environment for testing commonly adapted hybrids. Location Begusarai and Dholi are discriminatory and non-representative environments suitable for selecting location-specific genotypes. Both GGE biplot and AMMI analysis revealed that three hybrids, viz., IMHSB1, IMHSB20, and IMHSB13 were high-yielding with average stability. The identification of superior and stable maize hybrids may contribute to farmers’ income in Bihar.