Evaluation of yield and stability of maize hybrid under post-rice field and field conditions

Abstract

In order to increase maize production in Thailand, it is important to select maize varieties that can adapt well to both post-rice field and field conditions. This study aims to evaluate the yield potential and stability of hybrid maize varieties suitable for these conditions. The study evaluated 12 hybrid maize varieties at four locations in the low altitude of northeastern and high altitude of northern regions of Thailand during the dry and rainy seasons of 2021-2022. The varieties were tested using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications, and their agronomic traits and yield components were measured. The results showed that the effects of genotype, environment, and their interaction significantly influenced yield across the four environments. The varieties with the highest average yields were DK9979C, Pac789, and D189, yielding 1,732, 1,819 and 1,712 kg/rai, respectively. Stability analysis using the Eberhart and Russell method revealed DK9979C, Pac789 and D189 had a regression coefficient equal to 1.0, with showing higher average yields than the overall average. Indicating its superior adaptability to the general environment and the most stable variety. From the results of the experiments, it was concluded that GT822, DK9979C, D189, CP303, P4163, Pac789, S7328. DK6818, CP639, and Nakhon Sawan 5 are suitable for growing in post-rice fields and DK9979C, Pac789 P4546 and S7328 are suitable for planting in farmland because these varieties gave good yields in the tested planting areas.