Biplot analysis for multi-environment trials of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids in Iran

Adapted maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids should be identified and chosen based on multi-environment trials analysing several traits. The objectives of this study were to identify mega-environments and suitable adapted maize hybrids based on both mean grain yield and grain yield stability and were to evaluate the 14 maize hybrids based on several desirable traits. Biplot analysis determined one mega-environment and two sectors that consist of one location in each sector for maize in Iran. The mega-environment included Kerman (KRM), Kermanshah (KSH), Moghan (MGN), Dezfol A (DZF A), Karaj (KRJ), Darab (DRB), Dezfol B (DZF B), Shiraz B (SHZ B), and Esfahan (ESF), where hybrid OSSK 602 was the best performing hybrid. The first sector included Khoramabad (KHM) where BC 678 was the best hybrid, and the second sector included Shiraz A (SHZ A) where ZP 599 was the hybrid with the highest performance. OSSK 602 was the best hybrid among all of the studied hybrids followed by ZP 677 and ZP 684. The genotype × trait biplot indicated that ZP 677 and OSSK 602 had greater thousand-kernel weight and grain number, whereas ZP 684 had longer day to maturity and larger cob diameter. KSC 700, KSC 704, and BC 678 had higher ear height and more days to tasseling than other hybrids. The genotype × trait biplot graphically displayed the interrelationships among traits and it was used in identifying hybrids that are good for some particular traits.