Plant and Soil Science

Environmental plasticity and stability of medium-early maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids in different soil-climatic zones of Ukraine

Anzhela Kyrylchuk, Svitlana Tkachyk*, Oleksandr Makarchuk, Iryna Bezprozvana

s-s-tk@ukr.net

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Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the adaptive potential of modern medium-early maize hybrids in terms of yield, protein content, and starch content under different soil-climatic conditions of Ukraine. Field studies were conducted during 2024-2025 in the steppe, forest-steppe, and Polissia zones. The environmental plasticity of genotypes was assessed using the regression coefficient (bi), trait expression stability using the stability variance (S²di) and coefficient of variation (V), and adaptive properties using the homeostaticity (Hom) and breeding value (Sc) indices. The hybrids under study were found to be characterised by high environmental plasticity for yield, with regression coefficient values ranging from 0.8 to 1.1. The hybrids RGT KELOXXS, EY3957, and MAGNITUDO were the most adaptive and stable in terms of yield (bi = 1.0-1.1; S²di = 0.2-0.5). The hybrids Optix, PS 310, and KWS VELARO were characterised by increased breeding value (Sc = 1.8-2.0). The coefficient of variation for yield ranged from 36.4 to 46.1%, indicating a considerable dependence of this trait on growing conditions. For protein content, the regression coefficient varied between 0.8 and 1.4, while the most stable protein formation was observed in the hybrids Optix, PS 310, and KWS PETRARO (S²di = 0.2-0.3; V = 16.6-17.1%). The highest breeding value for this trait was recorded in the hybrid MAGNITUDO (Sc = 5.3). For starch content, the coefficient of variation was low, ranging from 1.9 to 3.4%, indicating high stability of the trait. The hybrid KWS PETRARO proved to be the most stable and adaptive (bi = 0.7; V = 1.9%; Hom = 12.7; Sc = 68.2), being characterised by high homeostaticity and breeding value. Yield was found to be a more variable trait than starch content, whereas protein occupied an intermediate position in terms of variability. The hybrids RGT KELOXXS, EY3957, MAGNITUDO, Optix, and KWS PETRARO are the most promising for cultivation under different soil-climatic conditions of Ukraine, combining high productivity, stability, and adaptability. The practical value of the study lies in the possibility of using the obtained results by plant breeders, agronomists, and seed companies for the selection of highly productive and adaptive maize hybrids in different agroecological zones of Ukraine

Keywords

homeostaticity; adaptability; yield potential; protein content; starch content; environmental index

Suggested citation
Kyrylchuk, A., Tkachyk, S., Makarchuk, O., & Bezprozvana, I. (2026). Environmental plasticity and stability of medium-early maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids in different soil-climatic zones of Ukraine. Plant and Soil Science, 17(3), 37-52. https://doi.org/10.31548/plant3.2026.37
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