FGGE method: description and application in data from maize cultivars

Abstract

The objective of this study was to propose a methodology using a factor analysis associated with genotypic and genotype × environment interaction effects (FGGE) and to accomplish, simultaneously, analyses of environmental stratification and the adaptability of maize cultivars indicated for planting in Paraná State. The analysis of adaptability based on the factor analysis was accomplished graphically by scoring in relation to the factors with separation in the adaptability quadrants. The analysis of environmental stratification were accomplished beginning with the magnitude of the final factor loadings obtained after rotations through the varimax method. The FGGE method is efficient for processing the environmental stratification and adaptability analysis. More than 70 % of the retained variation in the first eigenvalues represents the expressive part of the sum of the genotypic and genotype × environment interaction (G × E) interaction effects for this data set. The cultivars with wide adaptation and high yield in the group of the tested environments were P30F35, P30F53, P30K64, P30R50 and AS 1570.