A combination of analytical methods dissects genotype × environment interaction precisely and facilitates the selection of potential new field corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids

Environmental interactions influence grain yield. Multi-environment testing (MET) is vital to validate the performance of hybrids. To understand the grain yield and stability of hybrids across the major corn growing regions in India, 30 corn hybrids were assessed in five diverse environments in Kharif 2021. The grain yield data from all five environments showed highly significant (p <0.01) variance due to genotype (G), environment (E), and genotype-environment interaction (GEI). Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis illustrated the relationship between high-yielding hybrids and the test environments of different corn-growing ecologies. The results from the Jharkhand and Dharwad locations exhibited short vectors, which were very close to the point of origin, implying weak interactive forces. New Delhi, Mandsaur, and Bhubaneswar are distant from the origin and possess long vectors, suggesting strong interactive forces. From GGE analysis (genotypic main effect plus genotype-by-environment interaction), the first two initial principal component axis (IPCAs) accounted for 67% of the total variance by GEI with PC1 (39.68%) and PC2 (27.32%). The hybrid, AH-8127, possessed the least AMMI Stability Value (ASV) of 0.09, attributing the highest stability, followed by AH-4551 (0.13). High and stable performing hybrids, AH-8127, AH-4551, and AH-8089, have been identified through the Yield Stability Index (YSI), which are suitable for all environments.