Exploring the impact of planting density and environmental variables on maize yield productivity

Our study investigated the performance of various maize hybrids across diverse environments and planting densities, with the aim of understanding the complex interaction between genotypes, environmental conditions, and planting practices. A set of 13 experimental maize hybrids and two commercial check hybrids was tested over a 3-year period at eight different locations and under two distinct plant densities using a split-plot design. The results revealed significant variations in grain yield (GY) among hybrids across different environments, suggesting a substantial genotype-by-environment (G × E) interaction effect, particularly of the crossover type. This variability was attributed to fluctuations in environmental factors such as soil characteristics, biotic stressors, and climatic conditions. Genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) biplot methodology was deployed to assess hybrid performance and stability under different planting densities. While planting densities did not significantly impact location clustering, distinct hybrid responses were observed. Statistical analyses supported these findings, emphasizing significant interactions between planting density and hybrid, highlighting the importance of genotype selection to optimize yield under varied planting conditions. The partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis provided insights into the influence of external environmental variables on G × E interaction, revealing distinct climatic patterns across different years and their significant impact on hybrid performance. Overall, this study underscores the intricate relationship between genotype, environment, and planting density in determining maize hybrid performance, offering valuable insights for optimizing cultivation practices and enhancing yield stability and productivity.