Studies on combining ability for yield, yield contributing and fibre quality traits in desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.)

Abstract

Line x tester analysis was carried out involving 6 line and 4 testers for seed cotton yield and fibre quality traits. Significant difference among genotypes was observed for all traits under study meaning thereby considerable amount of genetic variability. The magnitude of GCA variances was higher than SCA variance suggesting per-ponderance of additive gene effects for almost all the traits. The genotypes PA 785, PA 774, JLA 794 and JLA 611 were found good general combiner for seed cotton yield and yield contributing characters. The cross combinations PA 785 x DAS 1201, PA 785 x JLA 794 had significant SCA effects for seed cotton yield. Therefore, the breeder should compromise at acceptable values of seed cotton yield and fiber quality parameters. It is advocated that the genotypes having such values for these traits could be used in further breeding programme.