GENOTYPE by ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION AND YIELD STABILITY OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) GENOTYPES IN MAJOR MAIZE GROWING AREAS OF ETHIOPIA

Abstract:

Conducting multi-location trials along with the commercial varieties and genotype by environment (G x E) data analysis are vital to breeders to develop superior genotypes and to meet the challenges posed by environmental factors. This research was undertaken to evaluate maize hybrids for yield and yield related traits, assess the effect of G x E on grain yield, and determine the yield stability of hybrids across major maize growing areas of Ethiopia. A total of 24 maize hybrids including standard checks(BH547,BH547,BH661and Limu) were evaluated at six locations (Bako, Jimma, Pawe, Ambo Wendogenet and Asosa) in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during the 2020 cropping season. The hybrids had significant differences for most of the traits at all locations. The mean squares for genotype, location and G x E were significant for all traits, except G x E for plant height. The mean grain yield of maize hybrids across the six environments ranged from 4.11 t/ha at Wendogenet to 9.11 at Bako. The analysis of variance from Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model for grain yield showed significant (P