Evaluation of kernel yield and agronomic traits of European maize hybrids in the temperate region of Iran

The production of locally adapted maize hybrids requires parental material with adequate genetic variation in the relevant traits. The objective of the present study was to evaluate 20 European maize hybrids under temperate region for their potential use in direct cultivation or as parent material in local breeding programs. Results showed that European hybrids except BC 566 had higher kernel yield (11.4-14.3tha(-1)) than local cultivars (KSC705 and KSC704). Korimbos, Krebs, BC 566, and BC 532 had lower kernel moisture (14-15%) compared to KSC705 (21.7%) and KSC704 (22.7%). Cluster analysis categorized these hybrids in three groups. Cluster 2 comprised of Korimbos, BC 612, DKC 6589, and 89May70. These hybrids had high plant height, thousand kernel weight, and kernel yield. Due to high kernel moisture, the hybrid 89May70 could not be proposed for direct cultivation but it can be involved in transferring high grain yield to local hybrids. Genotypexenvironment analysis showed that Korimbos and Krebs had low S-i(2) and low genotypic coefficient of variation, high and stable performance and low kernel moisture. Therefore, Korimbos and Krebs can possibly be used for direct cultivation in temperate regions of the Fars Province.