Performances of three-way cross hybrids over their respective single crosses and related heterosis of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids evaluated in Ethiopia

Less attention had been given to the performances of three-way crosses and its comparative advantages of these hybrids over single crosses. This study was carried out to evaluate the performances of three-way crosses in comparison to single crosses for yield and related agronomic traits and to estimate the magnitude of heterosis. The trial was laid out in a simple alpha lattice design of 10 × 6 for lines, 6 × 5 for single crosses (SC), and 9 × 5 for three way-crosses and planted in adjacent plots in the 2019 cropping season in three locations namely Ambo, Abala-Farcha and Melkassa. Single cross hybrids showed a highly significant (P