Assessment of Genotype by Environment interactions and Grain Yield Performance of Extra-Early Maize (Zea Mays L.) Hybrids

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops of Ghana in terms of production and consumption. Currently, it is produced in all the agro-ecological zones of the country. In Ghana, Genotype by Environment interactions (GxE) effects on maize grain yield is usually significant due to the diverse environmental conditions at growing sites. A proper understanding of the effects of GxE on variety evaluation and cultivar recommendations is vital. The study was conducted in 2011 at three locations in Ghana to (i) determine the presence of GxE of 100 extra-early maize genotypes and (ii) To use the GGE biplot methodology to determine grain yield performance and stability of the genotypes evaluated across three environments. The effects of genotype and environment were significant (P < 0.01) for grain yield. However, GxE was not significant for the same trait. TZEEI 8 x TZEEI 51, TZEEI 5 x TZEEI 53, TZEEI 21 x TZEEI 39, TZEEI 27 x TZEEI 36 and TZEEI 4 x TZEEI 6 were identified as high yielding and most stable hybrids. Therefore, these hybrids have the potential for production across the test locations as well as others within the same agro-ecological zones. On the contrary, DODZI, TZEEI 23 x TZEEI 6, TZEEI 19 x TZEEI 24, TZEEI 11 x TZEEI 24 and TZEEI 20 x TZEEI 39 were not only low yielding but also among the least stable genotypes.

Keywords: Zea mays, single-cross, stability, multiple environments, GxE