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. Fifteen genotypes were tested at three locations covering different agro-climatic zones of the hill state (Himachal Pradesh). Analysis of variance and stability analysis were computed. Variances due to genotypes, environments and G x E interaction were significant for yield and its related traits. G x E interaction (linear) component was non-significant indicating the equal importance of both linear and non-linear interaction. It was concluded that yield and its related traits may be taken into account while evaluating genotypes for stability performance over environments. Hybrids PMZ 4, Vivek 21, 110-08-01 and Bisco 1141 showed high mean performance for grain yield coupled with average regression coefficient (βi =1) and least deviation from regression coefficient (S2di) and thus were identified stable over different locations. However, most of the genotypes showed significant deviation mean square (S2di) or regression coefficient (βi) for all the remaining traits implying that these were unstable and thus did not show general adaptability. Some hybrids showed relatively good performance in one location whereas some in other indicating the possibility to develop location specific hybrids.