Comparison of multivariate methods for studying the G×E interaction

The objective of this work was to evaluate three statistical multivariate methods for analyzing adaptability and environmental stratification simultaneously, using data from maize cultivars indicated for planting in the State of Parana-Brazil. Under the FGGE and GGE methods, the genotypic effect adjusts the G×E interactions across environments, resulting in a high percentage of explanation associated with a smaller number of axes. Environmental stratification via the FGGE and GGE methods showed similar responses, while the AMMI method did not ensure grouping of environments. The adaptability analysis revealed low divergence patterns of the responses obtained through the three methods. Genotypes P30F35, P30F53, P30R50, P30K64 and AS 1570 showed high yields associated with general adaptability. The FGGE method allowed differences in yield responses in specific regions and the impact in locations belonging to the same environmental group (through rE) to be associated with the level of the simple portion of the G×E interaction.