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

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 country. In India, Genotype by Environment interactions (GxE) effects on maize grain yield is usually significant due to the diverse environmental conditions at growing sites. A proper understanding of the effects of GxE on variety evaluation and cultivar recommendations is vital. The study was conducted in 2019 at four locations in India to (i) determine the presence of G x E of 106single cross maize genotypes and (ii) To use the GGE biplot methodology to determine grain yield performance and stability of the genotypes evaluated across four environments. The effects of genotype and 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 hybrids have the potential for production across the test locations. On the contrary, G26, G10, G81, G102, G96 and G22 were not only low yielding but also among the least stable genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]