Varietal evaluation of hybrid maize in the summer and winter seasons in terai region of Nepal

Heliyon. 2022 Nov 16;8(11):e11619. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11619. eCollection 2022 Nov.

Abstract

Comparing hybrid maize to open-pollinated varieties, the former is widely recognized for its higher producing capacity. However, the production potential of hybrids varies depending on the region and the season. In order to find the high yielding stable genotypes throughout both settings, this experiment was carried out in the summer of 2021 and the winter of 2021-2022, using a Randomized Complete Block Design with 11 genotypes and 3 replications. The tallest genotypes among those evaluated were CP 808 and G-25 in the winter and summer, respectively. Both P3553 in the winter and CP 808 in the summer reported earlier days to anthesis. Grain yield showed a substantial and positive links with cob characteristics and a negative correlation with reproductive traits, according to correlation analysis. When compared to the yield of both seasons, P3355 and Bisco gold 941 showed highest yield in both environments. Thus, genotypes P3355 and Bisco gold 941 are recommended for cultivation in study area over other available hybrids in the market.

Keywords: AMMI analysis; Corn breeding; Genotype x environment interaction; Heritability; Summer; Winter.