PJB-2025-317
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF SINGLE AND THREE-WAY CROSS MAIZE HYBRIDS DEVELOPED FROM TROPICAL AND SUB-TROPICAL INBRED LINES FOR YIELD TRAITS
Maria Ali
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a strategic crop in Pakistan. However, national outputs have not reached the global average, as the available hybrids lack flexibility. Local studies on maize have given limited attention to three-way crosses. Meanwhile, research on single-cross hybrids has been more prevalent. However, it has not focused firmly on exploiting three-way combinations for yield potential and stability across diverse environments. The present investigation aimed to compare the performance of single- and three-way cross maize hybrids derived from tropical and subtropical inbred lines, to identify high-yielding and stable cultivars. A total of 20 hybrids, including nine single crosses, eight three-way crosses, and three commercial checks, were evaluated during the summer of 2019 at two contrasting sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa using a randomised complete block design with three replications. The analysis revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) among genotypes, along with substantial genotype-by-environment interactions, highlighting the influence of environmental variation on hybrid performance. Among the hybrids, PSWH-201905, PSWH-201911, PSWH-201912, and PSWH-201913 consistently outperformed others in grain yield and yield-related traits, though earliness traits showed a negative association with yield. Furthermore, high estimates of heritability and genetic gain confirmed the presence of sufficient genetic variability for selection. Thus, the findings suggest that three-way crosses can offer desirable combinations of yield and stability, help address an existing research gap, and provide promising alternatives for maize production in Pakistan's variable agro-climatic conditions.
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