Adaptability and stability of corn genotypes under different environmental conditions

Abstract

The objective of this work was to study the adaptability and stability factors of 20 corn genotypes (Zea mays L.) split into four genetical groups (single cross, three way crosses, double crosses and open cultivars) at different fertility levels, sowing dates and sites in the state of Minas Gerais. Among the cultivars evaluated, the three way crosses Hatã 3012 presented greatest adaptability. It was found that the average yield of the three way crosses was superior to those of the other groups, being most adapted. Among environmental factors studied, the absence of fertilization and late sowing were the ones which contributed the most to the decrease of environmental index. The methodologies used to estimate the adaptability and stability parameters, despite showing similar results, provided distinctive responses relative to the inclination of the regression straight line of some genotypes. The level of fertilizers and the sowing date were the two factors of greatest influence in determining the quality of environments.