Performance evaluation and yield stability of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid genotypes in southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Improved Maize varieties were released by different agricultural research centers at different times in Ethiopia. However, the productivity of these varieties was not evaluated under wider environmental ranges. The variety choice of most farmers in Ethiopia is not suitable for their farm due to lack of awareness about varieties, their adaptability to various conditions and field conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability and yield potential of hybrid maize genotypes across locations. Seven maize hybrids varieties were evaluated at Sankura, Meskan and Sodo in Ethiopia, during 2019 and 2020 main cropping seasons. The varieties were assigned in randomized complete block design with three replications. The major agronomic data were collected for each genotype for all locations. The combined analysis of variance showed that the effects of genotypes (G), environments (E) and their interaction (GEI) on grain yield were found to be highly significant. The highest grain yield recoded was 6674 kg ha^-1 for BH546 while the lowest yield was 4330 kg ha^-1 for SBRH. The first two principal component axis (IPCA1 and IPCA2) were significant (p < 0.01) and cumulatively contributed 95.12% of the total variations of GEI. The selection of one trait would influence the grain yield of variety. BH546 and PHB30G19 were most stable genotypes with better mean performance across testing locations. Thus, these two varieties were recommended for the study areas, although further study will be required in multiple environments to confirm consistency in yield performance and stability of varieties in more environments.