Stability of Grain Yield of Pre-commercial Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids in Rainfed Ecosystems of South Asia

Stable Maize Hybrids for Rainfed Ecosystems in South Asia

Authors

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the yield stability of 45 single cross maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids across five locations in North India, namely Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Meerut, Kannauj, and Varanasi. Of the 45 hybrids tested, 21 displayed a higher-than-average yield (3.76 t/ha) across all environments. The analysis of variance showed that the environment contributed 88.4% of the total variation, followed by genotype × environment (7.9%) and genotype (3.7%). The first two significant interaction principal component axes accounted for about 81.54% of the total variation for grain yield. Hybrid 39 had the highest yield under diverse environments. Meerut and Muzaffarpur sites were identified as being more representative for grain yield compared to Kannauj, Samastipur, and Varanasi. Meerut was found to be the most discriminating environment. Hybrid 27, with an AMMI stability value (ASV) of 0.00, was widely adapted. Hybrids 11 and 16; 34 and 45; 36; 7 and 23; 24, and 28 were specifically adapted to Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Meerut, Kannauj, and Varanasi, respectively. With the least yield stability index (YSI), Hybrid 40, is recommended for cultivation during the monsoon in northern India.  Meerut and Muzaffarpur sites are recommended for evaluating early stages of maize test crosses.

Author Biographies

Dr P. Nagesh, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRISAT Campus, Patancheru, Hyderabad - 502324, Telangana, India

Senior Scientist, Global Maize Program, CIMMYT

Mr. Satish Takalkar, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRISAT Campus, Patancheru, Hyderabad - 502324, Telangana, India

Maize Doubled Haploid Facility Coordinator, Global Maize Program, CIMMYT

Dr. N.K. Singh, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) - Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India

Professor, GBPUAT

Dr. Smrutishree Sahoo, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) - Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India

Assistant Professor

Dr. Anjali Joshi, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) - Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India

Scientist

Mr. S. Murali Mohan, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRISAT Campus, Patancheru, Hyderabad - 502324, Telangana, India

Scientific Officer, Global Maize Program, CIMMYT

Mr. P. Bhaskara Naidu, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRISAT Campus, Patancheru, Hyderabad - 502324, Telangana, India

Senior Research Technician, Global Maize Program, CIMMYT

Dr. Jiban Shrestha, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, National Plant Breeding and Genetics Research Centre, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal

Scientist, NARC

Dr. B.S. Vivek, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRISAT Campus, Patancheru, Hyderabad - 502324, Telangana, India

Regional Maize Breeding Coordinator, Global Maize Program, CIMMYT

Additional Files

Published

2025-05-16

Issue

Vol. 67 No. 3

Section

Articles

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