Compatibility and Stability Analysis of Haploid Inducers under Different Source Germplasm and Seasons in Maize Using GGE Biplot

Abstract

Multiple factors can affect the R1-nj purple kernel expression and seed set, reducing its efficiency in identifying haploids in maize. The complex interaction among the haploid inducer (HI), source germplasm (SG), and season (S) is inevitable in in vivo maize haploid induction but could be used through compatibility and stability tests. We tested five HI genotypes on 25 distinct source germplasm in two different seasons of tropical savanna in Thailand. The dry season was more suitable than the rainy season for haploid induction. We noticed varying degrees of R1-nj inhibition among the 25 tropical source germplasm, with some of them exhibiting significant issues with the R1-nj purple kernel expression. Therefore, using the R1-nj alone may not provide accurate ploidy identification in maize. Despite the intense R1-nj expression, haploid inducer BHI306 showed poor stability and compatibility with tropical source germplasm for pollination rate and seed set during the rainy season. The GGE biplot suggested KHI42 and KHI64 as the most compatible haploid inducers under their respective two different mega-source germplasm for the pollination rate and R1-nj seed set. These findings can guide breeders in selecting the most compatible and stable haploid inducers under varying conditions.