The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interaction between genotypes and environments, evaluate adaptability and stability, and study the relationship between genetic structure and homeostasis. In addition to landrace, the study evaluated recommended genotypes or genotypes in experimental recommendation stages (varieties and hybrids) in three environments in northern and northwestern Rio de Janeiro State. Eight traits were measured, including grain yield and popping expansion. The individual analysis of variance revealed significant differences for all traits at 1% probability. In the combined analysis of variance, the genotype by environment interaction was significant at 1% probability for all traits except ear height. The interaction was simple for all traits except mean number of ears. The method of Lin and Binns detected the most suitable and stable genotypes, and also the most productive. UNB2U-C4 and IAC112 contained the lowest values of general Pi. Of those, UNB2U-C4 contributed least to the interaction, and IAC112 ranked fourth in interaction. UNB2U-C4 stood out with the best adaptation to favorable and unfavorable environments. No association between the genetic structure and stability degree in popcorn was observed.
Zea mays; genotype interaction by environment; phenotypic stability