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There is a need to strengthen maize (Zea mays L.) breeding strategies based on multivariate selection to obtain high‐yielding hybrids that are more stable and resilient to contrasting environmental conditions. Here, we show how the multi‐trait stability index (MTSI) can be used to select maize hybrids for mean performance and stability of multiple traits. A set of 10 traits, including grain yield (GY), yield components, and plant‐related traits with negative and positive desired selection gains (SGs), were accessed in 90 F1 hybrids conducted in multi‐environment trials. Hybrid and hybrid × location interaction effects were significant (p ≤ .001) for all analyzed traits. The MTSI provided positive gains for all the four traits that were wanted to increase (2.52% ≤ SG ≤ 4.86; mean, 3.28%), including GY (SG, 4.86%), and negative gains for all the six traits that were wanted to decrease (–20.28% ≤ SG ≤ –0.09%; mean, –6.70%), including tassel branch number (SG, –20.28%) and plant height (SG, –1.2%). We also observed desired gains for the stability of all traits. Direct and univariate selection for GY solely was not efficient to provide desired gains for all traits. The MTSI provides a unique, robust, and easy‐to‐handle selection process that allows identifying the strengths and weaknesses of hybrids. The index was found to be a powerful tool to develop better selection strategies, optimizing the use of resources and time, thus contributing to the sustainability of maize breeding programs worldwide. Core Ideas The selection of maize hybrids in multi‐environment trials was performed using the multi‐trait stability index (MTSI). Direct and univariate selection for grain yield is not efficient. The MTSI provided desired gains for both mean performance and stability of all studied traits. The MTSI allows identifying the strengths and weaknesses of hybrids graphically.

The objective was to identify phenotypic and genotypic associations, and cause-and-effect relations of secondary components on primary components to establish criteria in the indirect selection process for maize. Partial diallel crosses were conducted in Clevelândia. F1's were evaluated in five environments. For the purpose of increasing the yield of corn grain, breeders should seek to reduce the characters distance from the last node to the first branch of the tassel, tassel length and number of branches. The indirect selection for distance from the last node to the first branch of the tassel would be effective to increase the grain yield. The selection for smaller leaf angle, larger stem diameter and thousand grain weight are favorable for increasing grain yield in maize. RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar associações fenotípicas, genotípicas e relações de causa e efeito de componentes secundários sobre componentes primários para se estabelecer critérios nos processos de seleção indireta para milho. Os cruzamentos do dialelo parcial foram conduzidos em Clevelândia. Os F1's foram avaliados em cinco ambientes. Para fins de aumento do rendimento de grãos de milho, os melhoristas devem buscar a redução dos caracteres distância do último nó até primeira ramificação do pendão, comprimento do pendão e número de ramificações. A seleção indireta para menor distância do último nó até a primeira ramificação do pendão seria eficiente para o aumento do rendimento de grãos. A seleção para menor ângulo de folha, maior diâmetro de colmo e massa de mil grãos mostram-se favoráveis para o aumento do rendimento de grãos em milho.

The objective was to identify phenotypic and genotypic associations, and cause-and-effect relations of secondary components on primary components to establish criteria in the indirect selection process for maize. Partial diallel crosses were conducted in Clevelândia. F1's were evaluated in five environments. For the purpose of increasing the yield of corn grain, breeders should seek to reduce the characters distance from the last node to the first branch of the tassel, tassel length and number of branches. The indirect selection for distance from the last node to the first branch of the tassel would be effective to increase the grain yield. The selection for smaller leaf angle, larger stem diameter and thousand grain weight are favorable for increasing grain yield in maize.