An analysis of stability of hybrids and parents revealed that the F1 populations were not only better in the area of increased production but were also marked by greater stability in production over environments. Amongst the parents studied, the, females were more stable, but they were characterited by low mean yields. The males on the other hand exhibited below average stability but appear better adapted to favourable environments.
The hybrids with male parents 851, 990, 1098, 1302 (IS 2031 × Karad local), 1364 (R-78 × M. 35-1) and 1667 (IS 3922 × Karad local) exhibited superiority over the respective male parents in less favourable environments, but as the environment became more and more favourable, the male parents tended to outyield the corresponding hybrids. The overall performance of males and their hybrids is indicative that homozygotes (lines) could perform better than their hybrids in better environments while the hybrid superiority under less favourable conditions tended to be universal.
