Abstract
A study was conducted at Northwestern Ethiopia, during 2010 main cropping season. Fifteen maize genotypes were evaluated at four locations that differ in soil type, altitude and mean annual rainfall. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Stability parameters that are useful tools for identification of genotypes with specific and wide adaptations, and contrasting the role played by genotype, environment and G x E interaction in multilocational variety trials were considered and analyzed. The highly significant G x E interactions indicated that genotypes performance was inconsistent across testing locations and need to be tested in several locations in order to select stable genotypes. Jibat-851, Wonchi and BHQPY-545 exhibited high mean grain yield across environments and average responsiveness with high degree of stability indicating general adaptability and thus can be recommended for north western Amhara region and for areas with similar environments. The best genotype with respect to location Adet was Gibe-1 while Wonchi was the best genotype for Merawi area. Phb-3253 performed well at Motta, while Phb-30G19 and Jibat-851 performed well at Finoteselam. Therefore, these genotypes can be recommended according to their specific adaptation area. Key words: Genotype by environment interactions, grain yield, maize, stability
Highlights
Maize (Zea mays L.) belongs to the grass family Poaceae and tribe Maydeae
The large sum of square of environment suggested that the big influence of environment on yield performance of maize genotypes in north western Ethiopia
The presence of significant G x E interaction indicated the inconsistency in performance of maize genotypes across environments
Summary
The maize plant has characteristics of wide adaptability in the different ranges of growing conditions. It has gained adaptation and productivity in all continents through introductions and breeding. Maize is currently produced on nearly 100 million hectares in 125 developing countries and is among the three most widely grown crops in 75 of those countries and its global production is estimated to be over 800 million tons per year. Much of the world’s maize production (approximately 78%) is utilized for animal feed, human consumption in many developing and developed countries is steadily increasing. The growing demand for food consumption in developing countries alone is predicted to increase by around 1.3% per annum until 2020.
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