Factor analysis and bissegmented regression for studies about environmental stratification and maize adaptability

The objective of this work was to verify possible divergences among results obtained on adaptability evaluations of 27 maize genotypes (Zea mays L.), and on stratification of 22 environments on Paraná State, Brazil, through techniques of factor analysis and bissegmented regression. The environmental stratifications were made through the traditional methodology and by factor analysis, allied to the percentage of the simple portion of GxE interaction (PS%). Adaptability analyses were carried out through bissegmented regression and factor analysis. By the analysis of bissegmented regression, studied genotypes had presented high productive performance; however, it was not evidenced the genotype considered as ideal. The adaptability of the genotypes, analyzed through graphs, presented different answers when compared to bissegmented regression. Factor analysis was efficient in the processes of environment stratification and adaptability of maize genotypes.