Stability analysis of single crosses derived from diverse inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.)

An experimental study was conducted to estimate the stability of 36 single crosses of maize developed from 12 parental lines by using the Eberhart and Russell model over the three agroclimatic zones (Rajendranagar, Karimnagar and Madhira) of Telangana during rabi, 2021-22. The pooled analysis of variance indicated that environmental effect, hybrid effect and hybrid-environment interaction were significant for yield and yield related traits. The study revealed that eight hybrids viz., BML-20 × PFSR-95, BML-20 × MGC-15, BML-20 × PFSR-46, BML- 20 × MGC-137, BML-11 × MGC-137, BML-11 × PFSR-46, PFSR-51 ×MGC-15 and PFSR-51 × MGC-137, exhibited higher mean and stable performance for grain yield, while the hybrids BML-11 × PFSR-46 and PFSR-51 × MGC-137 showed desirable mean values and stable performance for most of the yield related traits over the three locations. Environmental indices revealed Karimnagar as ideal test location for maize cultivation.