Adaptability and stability analysis via GGE biplot in single, double, and interpopulation maize hybrids

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Breeding
• Genetics

Background:

• Genotype by environment (GxE) interactions significantly impact crop performance and necessitate tailored cultivar selection.
• The GGE biplot methodology is a powerful tool for dissecting complex GxE interactions in plant breeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance and stability of eight maize hybrids across different locations and seasons in Rio de Janeiro.
• To identify the most suitable maize hybrids for the North/Northwest region of Rio de Janeiro using GGE biplot analysis.

Main Methods:

• Field trials were conducted with eight maize hybrids in three locations over two crop seasons (winter 2021-2021 and summer 2021-2022).
• Statistical analyses included analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and GGE biplot analysis to assess hybrid performance, adaptability, and stability.
• GGE biplot analysis explained over 80% of the total variation, effectively visualizing genotype and environment interactions.

Main Results:

• Commercial single and double hybrids exhibited higher productivity and adaptability.
• UENF interpopulation hybrids demonstrated lower productivity but superior stability and accessibility, with lower seed costs.
• GGE biplot analysis confirmed that hybrid productivity aligns with the explored heterosis, with simple hybrids being most productive, followed by double and interpopulation hybrids.

Conclusions:

• Stability and adaptability are crucial factors for selecting common maize cultivars in specific regions.
• UENF interpopulation hybrids are recommended for optimizing maize production in the North/Northwest Rio de Janeiro region due to their stability and accessibility.
• The GGE biplot method is effective in identifying superior genotypes by integrating productivity and stability assessments.