Selection of corn inbred lines, testers, and hybrids adapted to second-crop environments

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the yield performance, adaptability, and stability of corn (Zea mays) topcross hybrids in nine environments in Brazil, in order to select inbred lines, testers, and promising hybrid combinations for these environments in the second crop season. The trials were carried out during the second crop season of 2017, in six sites in the state of Paraná and three in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Sixty-six single-cross hybrids, made up of 33 inbred lines crossed with two testers, were evaluated. The stability of the genotypes was assessed by the Schmidt & Cruz method and by the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) methodology. In addition, the genetic parameters and the general combining ability of the testers were estimated. Tester 2 is the most adapted to discriminate inbred lines in the second-crop environments. Inbred lines 12, 21, 23, and 32 are recommended for obtaining hybrids to be cultivated in the second crop season due to their good adaptability and stability and high yield in the crosses in which they participated. The HS123, HS223, and HS232 hybrids present the best performance and are the most recommended for the second-crop environments.