Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 10-19 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 16 Moreover, the study’s results are consistent with research on the genetic variability and heritability of maize traits under stress conditions. High genetic variability and heritability for traits such as anthesis silking interval and grain yield were observed, indicating the potential for genetic improvement through selection (Dawaki et al., 2023). This is in line with previous studies that highlighted the importance of genetic diversity and heritability in breeding programs aimed at improving stress resistance and yield stability in maize (Kamara et al., 2021; Matongera et al., 2023b). 6.3 Challenges and limitations The maize line screening process faced several challenges, including the complexity of accurately evaluating traits under varying environmental conditions. The significant genotype × environment interaction (GEI) effects observed for grain yield and other traits highlight the difficulty in identifying stable and high-yielding lines across different stress and non-stress environments (Matongera et al., 2023b). This variability necessitates extensive multi-locational trials to ensure the stability and adaptability of the selected lines. Another limitation of the study is the potential influence of non-additive gene effects on certain traits, which complicates the selection process. Traits controlled by non-additive gene effects, such as grain yield under CDHS, require careful consideration of specific hybrid combinations to achieve the desired outcomes (Chiuta and Mutengwa, 2020; Kamara et al., 2021). Additionally, the reliance on artificial stress conditions in some experiments may not fully replicate the complexity of natural field conditions, potentially affecting the generalizability of the results (Sadessa et al., 2022). 7 Practical Applications: Maize Breeding and Agriculture 7.1 Commercial breeding opportunities The identification of superior maize lines with enhanced quality and stress resistance presents significant opportunities for commercial breeding. These lines, such as those identified for drought and heat tolerance, can be utilized to develop hybrids that maintain high yield stability under adverse environmental conditions. For instance, inbred lines like T×205, C2A554-4, and B76 have shown high tolerance to drought by maintaining leaf relative water content and vegetative growth under stress conditions, making them valuable for breeding programs aimed at improving drought resilience in commercial maize hybrids (Chen et al., 2012). Moreover, the development of hybrids that combine tolerance to multiple stresses, such as drought and Striga hermonthica infestation, can further enhance the resilience of maize crops. The sequential selection of parental lines expressing both traits has led to the creation of hybrids that outperform commercial benchmarks under various stress conditions, demonstrating the potential for these superior lines to be used in breeding programs targeting multiple stress environments (Menkir et al., 2020). 7.2 Recommendations for farmers Farmers can benefit from selecting maize varieties that are specifically bred for their local growing conditions. For regions prone to drought, varieties such as those derived from drought-tolerant inbred lines like Tx205 and C2A554-4 are recommended. These lines have demonstrated the ability to maintain high leaf relative water content and vegetative growth under drought stress, which can help ensure stable yields even in dry conditions (Chen et al., 2012). In areas where multiple stresses such as drought and pest infestations are common, farmers should consider planting hybrids that have been bred for combined stress resistance. For example, hybrids developed through the sequential selection of parental lines for both drought tolerance and Striga resistance have shown superior performance across diverse environments, including rainfed and stress-prone areas. These hybrids not only yield better under stress conditions but also adapt well to varying environmental conditions, making them a reliable choice for farmers in such regions (Menkir et al., 2020).
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