Evaluation of ecological plasticity and stability of mid-season corn hybrids

One of the most important stages in the study of new hybrids is their comprehensive comparative testing under various environmental conditions and an assessment of their ecological plasticity and stability, which allows for the specification of regions for their use.

Aim. The research is to conduct an analysis of the environmental stability and yield stability of 20 new promising corn hybrids.

Research materials and methods. The study was conducted using regression analysis according to the Eberhart and Russell method in two different ecological locations: the Institute of Agriculture of the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Tersky District, Opytnoye village) and the VSC RAS ​​(Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, Prigorodny District) in 2023–2024.

Results. Promising high-yielding hybrids were identified: RSO-9, RSO-27, and RSO-43, demonstrating stable yields regardless of cultivation conditions. Hybrids RSO-1, RSO-15, RSO-39, and RSO-40 are characterized by increased adaptability and stability, effectively responding to changes in growing conditions. Hybrid combinations RSO-4, RSO-6, RSO-22, RSO-23, RSO-29, RSO-33, RSO-38, RSO-45, and RSO-42 demonstrated high ecological flexibility with moderate stability, indicating their responsiveness to improved agricultural practices while maintaining the ability to produce high yields in less favorable conditions. In addition, a comparative analysis of two approaches to assessing ecological plasticity – by the regression coefficient and the standard deviation and the parameters αjand λj – showed that although the first method is more informative, the second method can be successfully applied when working with large arrays of hybrid material.

Conclusions. A comprehensive assessment of the ecological flexibility and stability of new promising hybrid combinations under various agroclimatic conditions identified hybrids with both high stability and pronounced responsiveness to growing conditions. These hybrids respond effectively to changing growing conditions and ensure stable yields across a variety of ecological zones.