SELECTING THE SUPERIOR GENOTYPE OF SUMMER MAIZE HYBRIDS IN MEGA-ENVIRONMENTS USING AMMI MODEL AND GGE BIPLOT IN CHINA

Effective analysis of genotype by environment interactions (GET) is helpful to screen stable genotypes in a variety of environments. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to test the stability and adaptability of the agronomic traits of maize hybrids from different ecological environments. Thirteen maize hybrids in twenty-six locations over two years (2017-2018) in Huanghuaihai region was conducted to compare the performance and stability of six agronomic traits using AMMI (additive main effect and multiplicative interaction) model and GGE (genotype, genotype x environment) biplot. The analysis of variance through AMMI model showed that genotype (G), environment (E), and GEI had significant effects on agronomic traits. E explains a larger portion of the total variation in grain yield (GY), ear weight (EW) and 100-grain weight (100-GW), to a much higher degree than GEI and G. However, compared to E and G, GEI contributed more to total variation in ear length (EL), kernel row number (KRN) and bald tip length (BTL). Comprehensive analysis of the AMMI model and the GGE biplot results showed that genotypes G2, G3, and G4 had better agronomic performance and stability than other genotypes and are ideal for planting.