Genotype by Environment Interaction and Yield Stability of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids in Ethiopia

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important food and feed crops in Ethiopia. Taking the importance of the crop for food security, twelve maize hybrids were evaluated at eight locations using randomized completed block design with three replications. The objectives of the study are to identify the most stable hybrids across locations for grain yield and yield related traits. Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interactions (AMMI) model were employed to determine grain yield stability. The combined analysis of variance showed that genotypes (G), environments (E) and their interaction (GEI) were found to be highly significant for grain yield. The hybrid 35B-190-O-S10-2-1-2-2-1-2//ILOO'E-1-9-1/CML202 (G3) was found to be the most stable genotype. In addition, the first two principal component axis (IPCA1 and IPCA2) were significant (P < 0.01) and cumulatively contributed 65.5% of the total variations of GEI. The significant effects of IPCA1 and IPCA2 in the ANOVA indicated that the AMMI model was the best fit for the data set. Hence, the genotypes can be recommended according to the specific adaptation area.

Keywords: Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction, Genotype x Environment Interaction, Hybrid, Stability