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Identification of stable and high-yielding maize genotypes using BLUP-based stability and multi-trait selection
Dharmendra Kumar1, Prashant Bisen1, Vikram Jeet Singh1
1Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, India.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|August 5, 2026
Summary
Identifying high-yielding maize genotypes is crucial for crop improvement. This study found that genotypes G26 and G27 demonstrated superior performance and stability across diverse environments, making them promising for future breeding programs.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Breeding
- Genetics
Background:
- Maize (Zea mays L.) is a globally significant cereal crop vital for food, feed, and industrial applications.
- Identifying high-yielding and stable maize genotypes across diverse environments is a primary goal in maize breeding programs.
- Genotype x environment interactions significantly influence trait expression in maize.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate 60 maize genotypes across four environments to identify superior and stable genotypes.
- To assess 15 morphological and yield-related traits for genetic improvement potential.
- To determine the effectiveness of different selection indices for identifying elite maize genotypes.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of 60 maize genotypes in four environments using an alpha lattice design.
- Assessment of 15 morphological and yield-related traits.
- Pooled analysis of variance, heritability estimation, genotypic correlation analysis, factor analysis (MGIDI), and selection index analysis (MGIDI, FAI-BLUP).
Main Results:
- Significant effects of genotypes, environments, and their interactions were observed for all traits.
- High broad-sense heritability was found for grain yield (92.40%), biological yield (97.10%), cob yield (92.60%), and plant height (99.20%).
- Genotypes G26 and G27 consistently showed superior performance and stability across selection indices, with predicted genetic gains up to 50.6% for grain yield.
Conclusions:
- Genotypes G26 and G27 are identified as promising candidates for multi-location trials and hybridization programs.
- The study highlights the importance of considering genotype x environment interactions for stable maize improvement.
- Selected genotypes offer potential for enhancing grain yield and adaptability in maize breeding efforts.
Keywords:
genetic gaingenotype × environment interactionheritabilitymaizemulti-trait selectionphenotypic stabilityMore Related Videos
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