Adaptability and stability of corn hybrids for silage via genotype and genotype x environment interaction biplot

The occurrence of the genotype x environment (G x E) interaction is one of the main factors that hinder the selection of adapted and stable genotypes. The genotype and G x E interaction (GGE) biplot methodology is an efficient process to detect corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids for silage and, consequently, will help in the recommendation of new and more stable hybrids in different environments in breeding programs. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate and select corn hybrids for silage that simultaneously combine high yield and stability in different environments in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, via GGE biplot. Eleven corn hybrids, eight precommercial topcrosses and three commercial controls, were evaluated at three sites (Campos dos Goytacazes, Cambuci, and Itaocara, Rio de Janeiro) during two seasons: the 2017-2018 season and 2018-2018 off-season. The experiments were designed in completely randomized blocks with three replications. Individual and joint analyses of variance were performed and, after detecting significant interaction between genotype and environment, the adaptability and phenotypic stability of corn genotypes for silage were analyzed using the GGE biplot methodology. The GGE biplot analysis was efficient in interpreting the data and represented 83.68% of the total variation in the first two principal components. The use of the GGE biplot method allowed the recommendation of more productive, stable, and responsive hybrids for the state of Rio de Janeiro. The hybrid UENF MS2208 is indicated for cultivation in the state of Rio de Janeiro for combining high green biomass yield and stability.