Exploitation of genotype-by-environment interactions in maize hybrids at multiple locations in Pakistan using AMMI and GGE Biplots

The assessment of genotype-by-environment interaction (GE interactions) plays a significant role in identifying high-yielding and stable maize hybrids over trials at multiple locations. In the present research, 19 maize single cross hybrids, along with one check, were assessed for two years across eight environments based on grain yield. Among the total variability discerned, the genotype (G), environment (E) and GE interactions (72.60%) were highly significant for grain yield. The GE interaction impelled the estimation of yield and stability performance of maize hybrids across various environments (Location × Year) using AMMI and GGE biplot analyses. These analyses revealed that G10 (S2117) and G6 (S2113) presented the highest yields (> 13000 Kg/ha) along with better stability among the hybrids, whereas G13 (S2028) and G2 (30Y87) (Check) (12798 Kg/ha) were identified as highly stable genotypes along with relatively better stability. G10 (S2117) exhibited highest yield and better stability and was suggested as the best performer. Consequently, the maize hybrids observed for stability and high yield may be incorporated in crop improvement programs, which would certainly benefit farmers across the environments considered in this study.