Vol. 10, Issue 12 (2021)

Author(s):
D Chouhan, RB Dubey, P Choudhary and D Singh

Abstract:
The present study was carried out to estimate genotype x environment interaction and stability for qualitative and quantitative traits in sweet corn hybrids (Zea mays L. Ssp. saccharata). Forty five hybrids using line x tester mating design were developed, which along with their eighteen parents and three checks (Priya, Madhuri and Sugar-75) were evaluated at three different locations during kharif 2019 (E1 and E2) and rabi 2019-20 (E3), in randomized block design. Stability analysis was done using Eberhart and Russell (1966) model were done on pooled basis for twenty different characters. The results of analysis of variance over the three environments for phenotypic stability revealed that variance due to genotypes and environment (linear) were significant for all the characters included under the study. Further stability analysis revealed that all the genotypes possessed non significant deviations from regression (S²d_i) reflecting their predictable behavior for the trait green cob yield. Only the hybrid L₁₂ x T₁ showed stable performance for protein content over the three environments. Study of data for green cob weight plant^-1 revealed that two sweet corn hybrids L₇ x T₂ and L₇ x T₃ possessed non significant deviations from regression (S²d_i) along with regression coefficient value nearly equivalent to unity (b_i=1) and mean greater than the population mean. The performances of these two hybrids thus could be predictable as well as stable for cultivation in various environments. Analysis for quality characters showed that for TSS content of green grain, sweet corn hybrids L₁ x T₁ and L₁₁ x T₁ showed non significant deviations from regression (S²d_i) and regression coefficient equivalent to unity (b_i=1) with greater mean than the population mean, thus signifying their predictable performances and stability for different environments for sweetness.