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Assessment of maize hybrids performance across two environments using correlation and GGE biplot approaches
Abstract
Maize stands as one of the significant grain crops to meet the food demands of rapidly growing population amid diminishing natural resources. Therefore, developing high yielding maize hybrids, particularly in challenging climatic conditions, is crucial for ensuring food security. The present study assessed the performance of maize hybrids across variable environments. Thirty hybrids were sown in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in two environments (Faisalabad E1 and Sahiwal E2) during 2021. Analysis of variance revealed significant variation among hybrids for most traits except plant height (PH) and ear height (ErH). The G×E interaction was significant for grain yield GY (4.6 × 10⁶ **), cob length CL (4.5*), cob girth CG (0.2**), No. of grains/row GR (17.8**) and 1000 grain weight GWt (15.7**). Correlation analysis revealed significant relationship of GY with CG (0.41*), CL (0.53**), PH (0.52**), ErH (0.37*) at E1, while only PH (0.49**) was positively correlated with GY at E2. Various GGE biplots, utilizing the first two principal components (PCs), were generated to elucidate the G×E interaction. The first two PCs for GY accounted for 74.63% and 25.37%. Based on PH, ErH, CL, CG, GR, GWt, DS and Shell, genotypes G11, G25, G3, G4, G7, G11, G16 and G8 were recognized as the most stable, respectively. Genotype G14 showed the highest stability in E1 and G11 in E2, whereas G16 consistently emerged as the most stable and high-yielding hybrid in both environments. Environment E1 was most representative; making it suitable for hybrid evaluation.
