Aplication and comparison of univariate methods to evaluate the maize stability at Toluca-Atlacomulco Valley, Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this study was to apply 6 univariate methods to evaluate the stability of 25 maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes of Mexico’s highlands. The genotypes were evaluated in 4 environments, under a randomized complete block design, with 4 replications per environment. A combined analysis of variance with grain yield data was performed. The stability indexes calculated were Francis and Kannenberg’s standard deviation (S_i) and coefficient of variation (CV_i ), Eberhart and Russell’s stability parameters (b_i and S²d_i), Wricke’s ecovalence (W_i ), Shukla’s stability variance (σ_i² ), Huehn’s nonparametric measures (S_i⁽¹⁾ and S_i⁽²⁾), and Lin and Binns’ assessment of cultivar superiority (P_i). The results showed that almost all genotypes were classified as stable with 6 methods; Chalqueño, ETA 13, H-40, San Lucas, and VS-46E had lowest stability indexes. The biplot methodology identified these 5 genotypes, as well as Ixtlahuaca and HIT-3, as high yielding and stable varieties (from 5,92 to 7,91 t.ha^-1). The biplot methodology also indicated that RG, b_i, P_i y CV_i were correlated,but they had little or no association with S_i, Wⁱ, σ_i², S_i⁽¹⁾, S_i⁽²⁾ and S²d_i indexes. Chalqueño and ETA 13 are Chalqueño race, Ixtlahuaca and San Lucas were identified as Cónico race, whereas and H-40, HIT 3, and VS-46E belong to other races, so these genotypes could be employed for increased the grain yield and the stability of maize in this region of Mexico.