Adaptability and stability analysis of new popcorn simple hybrids evaluated using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction Bayesian approaches

Abstract

The development of new popcorn cultivars that include wide adaptation, high stability and superior performance characteristics is one of the main alternatives to mitigate the effects of the genotype × environment interaction. In this sense, our main goal was to evaluate the adaptability and stability of new popcorn hybrids using Bayesian additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (BAMMI) method for grain yield (GY) and popping expansion capacity (PE) traits. We evaluated GY and PE from 45 new popcorn hybrids and three commercial cultivars (IAC–125, Pop Top and Top Ten) as checks in six different environments. Genotype × environment interaction, correlation and stability analyses were performed using Bayesian approaches. The full models tested presented the lowest deviance information criterion (DIC) values when compared to null models, indicating the presence of the genotype × environment interaction for both evaluated agronomic traits. Negative correlations were observed between GY and PE (r = –0.24, 95% highest posterior density [HPD] = –0.31; –0.17) and confirm the difficulty to perform selection simultaneously for both characteristics. UEM–3 and UEM–7 hybrids showed wide stability and high a posteriori averages for GY and PE. Both cultivars can be registered and recommended for cultivation in popcorn producing regions.