Genotype - environment interaction for seed yield of maize hybrids and lines using the AMMI model

The objective of this study was to assess genotype by environment interaction for seed yield in maize hybrids and lines growing in Western Poland using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model (AMMI). The study comprised 32 maize genotypes (13 F-1 hybrids and their 19 parental lines), evaluated in four environments (two locations in two years). Seed yield ranged from 2.50 t/ha (S311 in Lagiewniki 2013) to 18.31 t/ha (Popis in Lagiewniki 2014), with an average of 8.41 t/ha. The Popis hybrid had the highest average seed yield (15.53 t/ha), and the S56125A line had the lowest (3.65 t/ha). The average seed yield per environments also varied from 6.60 t/ha in Lagiewniki 2013, to 9.95 t/ha in Smolice 2013. AMMI analyses revealed significant genotype (G) and environmental (E) effects as well as GE interaction effect with respect to seed yield. The analysis of variance explained 14.59% of the total seed yield variation by environment, 77.41% by differences between genotypes, 6.50% by GE interaction, and 1.50% by error. The Blask, Brda and Bejm hybrids are recommended for further inclusion in the breeding program because of their stability and high averages of seed yields.