Stability analysis for physiological and yield traits in single cross hybrids of maize (Zea mays L.) by AMMI model

Abstract

In the present investigation, forty five single cross maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids were tested over five environments (Seasons/ situations) to assess the stability for four characters using AMMI (Gauch, 1992) model. The combined ANOVA of forty five hybrids in five environments showed significant differences for genotype and environment interaction for four characters. IPCA1 explained most of the proportion of G × E interaction than IPCA2 and IPCA3 for most of the characters studied. AMMI model explained 90.46 % of total genotype × environment interaction component for chlorophyll content. Similarly, 92.51% for leaf area index; 98.19 for days to maturity and 85.77% for grain yield per plant. As per the AMMI model, the hybrids viz., 7 (CM 119 × BML 7) and 37 (CM 211 × BML7) were identified as having general adaptability for grain yield and other two physiological traits viz., chlorophyll content and leaf area index traits beside best per se performance in combined analysis. However, the hybrid 21 (CM 131 × BML 6) was found stable beside low per se performance for days to maturity. Hence, it could be suggested that this cross might be successfully utilized in future breeding programmes to isolate genotypes which can mature early.