Agronomic traits and yield potential of 60 maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) in a non-stress environment

Indonesia’s national maize production can be enhanced by developing superior hybrid maize varieties. High-yielding hybrid maize varieties could be suitable for non-stress environments. The objective of this research was to evaluate the yield potential and agronomic performance of 60 maize hybrids from a breeding program at IPB University. The research was conducted at the Leuwikopo Experimental Station of IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia, from November 2022 to March 2023. The experiment utilized an augmented randomized complete block design with 60 genotypes and three replicates of six check varieties: BISI 18, JHG02, P21, P27, NK Perkasa, and NK Sumo. Significant genotype effects were observed for yield and yield-related traits with high repeatability of these traits. The highest yielding test hybrid was P42 x L23, producing 11.15 ton ha −1 . Additionally, the following test hybrids have the potential in agronomic or yield-related trait, namely L15 x B4B (leaf width), B4 x B1, B1 x P42, P42 x L23, Mr14 x B1, P42 x L27, P42 x L6 (ear diameter), B1 x P42 (number of kernel rows), and L15 x B4B (number of kernels per row). These hybrids could be further evaluated to determine the effects of genotype-by-environment interaction.