Stability analysis in maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids across locations

Maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars vary in their performance and response to variable environmental conditions. Fifteengenotypes were tested at three locations covering different agro-climatic zones of the hill state (Himachal Pradesh). Analysisof variance and stability analysis were computed. Variances due to genotypes, environments and G x E interaction weresignificant for yield and its related traits. G x E interaction (linear) component was non-significant indicating the equalimportance of both linear and non-linear interaction. It was concluded that yield and its related traits may be taken intoaccount while evaluating genotypes for stability performance over environments. Hybrids PMZ 4, Vivek 21, 110-08-01 andBisco 1141 showed high mean performance for grain yield coupled with average regression coefficient (βi =1) and leastdeviation from regression coefficient (S2di) and thus were identified stable over different locations. However, most of thegenotypes showed significant deviation mean square (S2di) or regression coefficient (βi) for all the remaining traits implyingthat these were unstable and thus did not show general adaptability. Some hybrids showed relatively good performance inone location whereas some in other indicating the possibility to develop location specific hybrids.