Multivariate analysis for grain yield and yield attributing traits in maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines under acidic and neutral soil conditions

Evaluating maize genotypes under varying environmental conditions is essential for identifying stable genotypes with high yield potential. This study investigated the multivariate relationships of grain yield and key agronomic traits in 110 maize inbred lines grown in field conditions under both neutral (pH 6.7) and acidic (pH 4.8) soils. Analysis of variance revealed significant variation among the genotypes for all traits except anthesis-silking interval. The correlation analysis indicated that under neutral soil, yield per plant showed a positive but weak association with traits such as days to 50% silk emergence, anthesis-silking interval, days to 75% maturity, plant height and ear height. Under acidic soil conditions, however, yield exhibited negligible positive correlations with all traits. Principal component analysis revealed that the first three components explained 81.6% of the total variation. Hierarchical clustering classified the genotypes into four distinct clusters, with genotypes P53, P66, P37, P100, P60, P90, P59 and P36 showing superior performance under acidic conditions. These genotypes demonstrated higher grain yield, plant height, ear height and a shorter anthesis-silking interval, and all are promising parents for breeding programs targeting improved performance under acidic soil conditions. The findings provide valuable insights for maize breeding strategies aimed at improving performance across different soil pH environments.