Selection of maize genotype using multi-trait index and ideotype design for semi-arid regions
Nartênia Susane Costa Aragão, Barbara Nascimento Santos, Mario Sergio Rodrigues Barreto, Henrique Rocha Azevedo Santos, José Jairo Florentino Cordeiro Junior and Gustavo Hugo Ferreira de Oliveira
Abstract: The selection of maize genotypes using multivariate analysis enhances breeding programs by combining adaptability and performance in challenging environmental conditions, such as low water availability and irregular, poorly distributed rainfall. This study aimed to select the most suitable maize genotypes for semi-arid regions using selection indices. Twenty-seven genotypes were evaluated in a randomized block design. The analyzed variables were post-harvest and morphophysiological traits. Analysis of variance, a multi-trait index based on factor analysis and ideotype-design (FAI-BLUP), and the multitrait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) were performed. Thus, it can be concluded that the genotypes differ in relation to the variables and conditions studied. The FAI-BLUP and MGIDI indices selected genotypes AG 8780, GNZ 40, GNZ 15, and KWS 9606 Vip3 as the most aligned with the ideal ideotype for maize cultivation in semi-arid regions.