Environmental stability of main traits in waxy corn

ObjectiveThe environmental stability of main agronomic characters in waxy corn was studied to provide theory reference for the selection,breeding and promotion of waxy corn varieties.MethodTwo typical waxy corn varie-ties in Jiangsu Province(Suyunuo 5 and Lianhuanuo 2)were selected as experimental materials.The growth period,yield traits,plant traits,ear traits,disease resistance and quality traits at different experimental sites and in different years were determined,and environmental stability was analzyed.ResultThe variety effects,year effects,year×location interac-tion effects,year×variety interaction effects,location×variety×year interaction effects extremely significantly influenced fresh ear yield(P<0.01,the same below).The average fresh ear yield of two experimental varieties at different experimen-tal sites were ranged from the highest to the lowest:Lianyungang>Wujiang>Danyang>Taixing>Huaian>Dongtai>Haimen>Nanjing.The average fresh ear yield of Lianhuanuo 2(12927.31 kg/ha)was 21.04% more than that of Suyunuo 5(10680.53 kg/ha),and the difference reached extremely significant level.It indicated that the Lianhuanuo 2 had higher yield than Suyunuo 5.Yield stability of Suyunuo 5(variation coefficient was 3.74%)was superior than that of Lianhuanuo 2(variable coefficient was 5.10%).Environmental stabilities for traits of waxy corn such as flexicity,plant height,ear length,ear dia-meter,ear row number,kernel seed per row,fresh seed yield rate,growth period,stalk rot resistances and leaf blight resistance were good,while environmental stabilities for traits such as residue rate,ear height,bare plant percentage, lodging rate,bare top length,thousand kernel weight,sheath blight resistance and rough dwarf resistance were bad.ConclusionThe climate difference among different years is the main external factor affecting fresh ear yield of waxy corn,and bare top length and thousand kernel weight may be the main intrinsic factor affecting fresh ear yield.It can be used as an important index for yielding ability and wide adaptability of waxy corn breeding.At the same time,regionali-zation breeding should be paid the same attention to.