A combination of analytical methods dissects genotype × environment interaction precisely and facilitates the selection of potential new field corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids.

Abstract

Grain yield is influenced by environmental interactions. Multi-Environment Testing (MET) is vital to validate the performance of hybrids. To understand the grain yield and stability performance of hybrids across the major corn (Zea mays L.) growing regions in India, thirty field corn hybrids were grown in five diverse environments in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) during Kharif, 2021. The grain yield data from all five environments showed highly significant (p<0.01) variance due to genotype, environment, and G×E interaction. AMMI (Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction) analysis illustrated the relationship between high-yielding hybrids and the test environments of different corn-growing ecologies. The results of the Jharkhand and Dharwad environments exhibited short vectors which were very close to the point of origin implying the weak interactive forces. New Delhi, Mandsaur, and Bhubaneswar are distant from the origin and possessed long vectors, suggesting strong interactive forces. From GGE analysis (Genotypic main effect plus Genotype-by-Environment interaction), the first two IPCAs (Initial Principal Component Axis) account for 67% of the total variance by GEI (Genotype-Environment Interaction), with PC1 (Principle Component) (39.68%) and PC2 (27.32%). The hybrids, AH-8127 possess least AMMI Stability Value (ASV) of 0.09 attributing the highest stability, followed by AH-4551 (0.13). High and stable performing hybrids have been identified through Yield Stability Index (YSI), AH-8127, AH-4551, and AH-8089 which are suitable for all environments.