Evaluation of maize grain yield and yield stability by AMMI analysis

Abstract

Significant genotype x environment interaction for quantitative traits, such is grain yield, reduces the usefulness of genotype means, over all environments, for selecting superior genotypes. AMMI model is a valuable statistical tool in identifying systemic variation contained in the interaction effect. Obtained data could be applied in maximizing yield potential in every environment based on both narrow and wide genotype adaptability, without the necessity of developing breeding programs for smaller targeted environments. Precise assortment of superior genotypes, with the assistance of AMMI model, leads to the better recommendation of newly bred hybrids, and thus increasing maize grain yield in a targeted environment. In this research genotype x environment interaction and yield stability of 36 maize hybrids of FAO 300-700 maturity group was investigating. The trial was set according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data were processed in order to obtain average estimates of grain yield, and yield stability was assessed by the method of AMMI analysis. The highest average grain yield was achieved in 2011 (11.62 t/ha), and the lowest in the most stressful and dry 2012 (6.90 t/ha). In the region Loznica L2 the highest average yield was noticed (13.81 t/ha), while at L7 (Sremska Mitrovica) average grain yield was the lowest (6.97 t/ha). Results of AMMI analysis gave precise recommendation for production of maize hybrids in certain environments, by determining winning areas of hybrids H20, H11 and H36. Medium early maturing and high yielding hybrids (H11 and H20) are therefore considered more favorable for production in environments with lower precipitation, while high yielding and more stable hybrids H21 and H35 are suitable for a wider range of environments. Hybrid H36 (FAO 700) showed its full potential at L2, and L3 which did not suffer from a lack of moisture. This hybrid also expressed its best potential in environments with favorable conditions.