Performance Evaluation and Yield Stability of Maize (Zea Mays L.) Hybrid Genotypes in Southern Ethiopia

Solomon shibeshi

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 at wide environment. The variety choice of most farmers in Ethiopia is not suitable for their farm due to lack of awareness about varieties adaptability and their field’s condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability and yield potential of hybrid maize genotypes across locations. Seven maize hybrid 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 genotypes (G), environments (E) and their interaction (GEI) were found to be highly significant for grain yield. The highest grain yield recoded was 6674.1 kg/ha from BH-546 while the lowest yield was 4330.2 kg/ha from SBRH. The first two principal component axes (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. BH-546 and Phb30G19 were most stable genotype and showed above mean performance across testing location. Thus, these two varieties were recommended for the study areas. Further study will be required in multiple environments to confirm consistency of yield performance and stability of varieties in a particular environment.

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