Stability of Grain Yield of Maize Hybrids in Eight Environments in Mali

Abstract

Maize is produced in varying environment dictating yield performance and stability in Mali. To validate yield and stability performance, 78 hybrids and 2 checks were tested across eight environments at six sites in Mali during the rainy season of 2011. Two planting dates were used in Sotuba and Siramana locations to create additional environments. The hybrids were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design with two replications for one year. The objectives were (1) to study the nature and the magnitude of the genotype x environment interaction and (2) the grain yield stability within and across environments. Sotuba 1, Sotuba 2, Kebila and Kafara were high yielding environments characterized by better performance and very high yield. Siramana 1, Siramana 2, Tamala, and Koulikoro were low yielding environments which was determined with GGE biplot analysis. Nine hybrids were stable across the high yielding environments. Across the low yielding sites, twenty two hybrids exhibited stable performance. Seven Inbred lines showed positive GCA in high yielding environments indicating a predominance of additive gene action. The best SCAs were obtained with P43SRC9FS100‐1‐ 1‐8/V481‐73, CML442/87036 and (KU1403x1368)/CML505. The hybrid with the best SCA value P43SRC9FS100‐1‐1‐ 8/V481‐73 was from parents exhibiting the highest GCA values.