Genotype-by-environment Interaction Assessment Using Additive Main Effects and the Multiplicative Interaction Model (AMMI) in Maize

Imported seeds are the main seed source of maize cultivation in Bangladesh. Hybrid maize seeds are imported by different seed companies every year and these seeds are very much popular amongst the maize growers’ community. The seeds are costly compared to locally produced varieties but they cannot perform equally well all over the country. We had taken 20 popular commercial hybrid maize varieties, including 2 local checks, under this study to evaluate the magnitude of stability and adaptability in different regions under different environmental status. We had used AMMI (Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interactions) model to analyze the genotype-by-environment interactions over 4 locations and 3 years to select the hybrid having higher yield and other potential attributes. Considering the mean, phenotypic and genotypic indices, bi and S2 di, it was evident that all genotypes showed different responses of adaptability under different environmental conditions. Analysis of variance showed high significant effects of environments, genotypes and G×E for grain yield and plant height. Genotypes Prince, Victory Super, C-1921, Pacific-984, Pacific-759 and BHM-9 (Chk2) were higher yielding as well as stable over the environments. 900 M Gold is the highest yielder but responsive to environments. Pioneer is the most stable but not good yielder. Burirhat of Rangpur (Northern region of Bangladesh) was found highly suitable for hybrid maize cultivation followed by Jessore (Western part).