GGE biplot analysis and selection indices for yield and stability assessment of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes under drought and irrigated conditions

Abstract

Maize is mainly a rainfed crop prone to drought stress, suffering yield losses. The present study evaluated eleven early and nine late maturity hybrids to identify widely adapted genotypes under drought stress and irrigated conditions at the flowering stage. Genotypes showed 25.2% yield reduction under drought over irrigated conditions. GGE biplot analysis demonstrated major effect of environment (72–85%) on grain yield followed by genotype × environment (8–18%), identifying two different mega-environments under drought stress. Suitable selection indices identified DRMH 1417, DKC 7074 in the early and CMH12-686 in late maturity group as high-yielding and drought-tolerant hybrids.