Adaptability and stability of maize varieties using mixed model methodology

Lauro José Moreira Guimarães,Cleso Antônio Patto Pacheco,Paulo Evaristo Oliveira Guimarães,Flávia Ferreira Mendes,Adelmo Resende da Silva,Jane Rodrigues de Assis Machado,Walter Fernandes Meirelles,João Cândido Souza,Sidney Netto Parentoni

doi:10.1590/s1984-70332012000200003

Lauro José Moreira Guimarães, Cleso Antônio Patto Pacheco + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1984-70332012000200003

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, adaptability and stability of corn cultivars simultaneously in unbalanced experiments, using the method of harmonic means of the relative performance of genetic values. The grain yield of 45 cultivars, including hybrids and varieties, was evaluated in 49 environments in two growing seasons. In the 2007/2008 growing season, 36 cultivars were evaluated and in 2008/2009 25 cultivars, of which 16 were used in both seasons. Statistical analyses were performed based on mixed models, considering genotypes as random and replications within environments as fixed factors. The experimental precision in the combined analyses was high (accuracy estimates > 92 %). Despite the existence of genotype x environment interaction, hybrids and varieties with high adaptability and stability were identified. Results showed that the method of harmonic means of the relative performance of genetic values is a suitable method for maize breeding programs.

Highlights

Statistical analyses were performed based on mixed models, considering genotypes as random and replications within environments as fixed factors
Results showed that the method of harmonic means of the relative performance of genetic values is a suitable method for maize breeding programs
In Brazil, maize is grown in a wide variety of environments, at very different levels of technology and investment

Summary

Introduction

In Brazil, maize is grown in a wide variety of environments, at very different levels of technology and investment. The identification of genotypes with a high yield potential, coupled with wide adaptability and stability, is a key target of the maize breeding programs. A major drawback in the selection of genotypes with high yield capacity in different environments is the genotype x environment (GxE) interaction. A strong interaction can hamper the selection, since genotypes that perform well in a one environment may not do as well in another. The plant performance must be assessed at different locations to reduce the chance of misleading selection results or recommendations. Studies of adaptability and stability parameters greatly contributed in this respect, by providing information about the behavior of each genotype under different environmental conditions

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