Yield performance and stability of maize hybrids of different maturity groups in multiple environments in Nigeria

Background and Objective: Maize production in Nigeria faces challenges due to environmental stresses such as drought, heat, low soil fertility, pests, and diseases, compounded by regional variability. This study aimed to identify high-yielding early and extra-early maturing hybrids with stable performance for potential commercialization in Nigeria.Methodology: 20 early and 19 extra-early maturing hybrids, along with two local checks, were evaluated across six locations over two years (2016 and 2017) in Nigeria using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected for grain yield, flowering traits, growth traits, and aspect ratings.Main Results: Significant (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) genotype, environment, and interaction effects were observed for grain yield in both maturity groups. Early maturing varieties had longer days to maturity, higher plant and ear heights, and greater grain yield than extra-early maturing varieties. Hybrids EYH-17 and EYH-21 had the highest yields (4,263 and 4,183 kg/ha) among early maturing hybrids, with yield advantages of 12.2% and 10.1% over the check. For extra-early maturing varieties, hybrids EEYH-54, EEYH-41, and EEYH-25 produced yields over 4,000 kg/ha, with yield advantages of 19.8% to 29.2% over the check. Lapai 2016 and Ilorin 2016 were the most discriminating and representative test environments for both maturity groups. GGE biplot analysis identified EYH-17 and EEYH-25 as the most stable hybrids with the highest mean grain yield. The principal component analysis highlighted flowering time, plant height, and ear height as primary contributors to variability in maize hybrids.Conclusions: Hybrids EYH-17 and EEYH-25 are recommended for on-farm evaluation to confirm their yield potential and facilitate their commercialization in Nigeria. Lapai and Ilorin are ideal test environments for selecting superior hybrids with broad adaptation. Flowering time, plant height, and ear height should be prioritized in breeding programs to enhance maize breeding value.