Selection of High Yield and Stable Maize Hybrids in Mega-Environments of Java Island, Indonesia

Abstract

Determination of grain yields of stable and high-yielding maize hybrids in a wide environment requires high accuracy. Many stability measurement methods have been used in multi-environment experiments. However, the relationships among the different methods are still difficult to understand. The objectives of this study were to 1. Identify the effect of growing season and location (Environments = E), hybrids (Genotypes = G), and their interactions (GEIs) on grain yields; 2. Select high-yielding and stable maize hybrids in a wide range of environments; 3. Determine the relationship between each stability estimation; and 4. Determine the mega-environment of maize hybrid and identify the best locations for testing. Field experiments were conducted at ten locations in Java Island, Indonesia, for two growing seasons using a randomized completed block design with three replications. The experimental results showed that the main effects of the growing season, location, hybrid, and GEIs, significantly affected maize hybrid yields. Stability estimations of TOP, S(3), S(6), NP(2), NP(3), KR, NP(4), CVi, and bi, belong to the concept of dynamic stability that can be used to select maize hybrids in favorable environments, while other estimations were classified as in the static stability. Three maize hybrids were successfully selected, with high and stable yields based on numerical and visual stability estimations, namely SC2, SC7, and SC9. The three hybrids can be used as candidates for sustainable maize development programs. The dry season, the rainy season, and the combination of two growing seasons produced three mega-environments. GJRS and KARS were the most discriminative environments. Both environments can be used as favorable environments for selecting the ideal maize hybrid.