A three-way cross is an artificial cross performed to assemble superior cultivars for increased soybean production. The presented study aims to evaluate the percentage of success in the single cross and three-way cross of soybean genotypes to enhance the genetic variability in the base population of the genetic material. The genetic material comprises three soybean cultivars, i.e., Grobogan, Anjasmoro, and Dega-1. The three-way cross design operation made various crosses. Parameters observed were plant morphology, percentage of cross success and seed formation in pods, number of seeds in pod, and the total seed weight. The results showed a relatively high (57.14%) success rate for the cross Grobogan × Anjasmoro, producing numerous one-seeded and two-seeded pods and 30 seeds per plant with a total weight of 5.4 g. However, the success rate in three-way cross (F1 descent [Grobogan × Anjasmoro] × Dega-1) was medium (35.37%). The results of crossing the three genotypes of parents will greatly determine soybean variability.
base population, genetic variability, single and three-way crosses, soybean, superior cultivars
The three-way cross is a crossing technique to increase genetic diversity. High genetic diversity will benefit the creation of new cultivars with the desired characteristics. The success of the three-way cross will ensure to increase soybean production.