Correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and yield component traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract

This experiment was carried out with 40 genotypes of cotton in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur during kharif, 2019-20. Each plot consisted of one row of 6 m length and observations were recorded on five randomly selected plants from each genotype per replication for characters viz., plant height (cm), number of monopodia plant per plant, number of sympodia plan per plant, number of bolls plant per plant, boll weight (g), seed index (g), lint index (g) and seed cotton yield plant per plant (g). The characters viz., Days to 50% flowering, ginning out turn (%), 2.5% span length (mm), micronaire (10-6 g /inch), bundle strength (g/tex) and uniformity ratio were recorded on plot basis. Correlation and path coefficient analysis were worked out for 14 characters among 40 genotypes of upland cotton. Correlation studies revealed that plant height, number of sympodia per plant, number of bolls per plant and boll weight recorded significant positive association with seed cotton yield per plant. Further partitioning of correlation coefficients into direct and indirect effects showed that characters, plant height, number of bolls plant per plant, boll weight, ginning out turn (GOT) and micronaire value had direct positive effect on seed cotton yield per plant. Thus, correlation and path analysis clearly indicated that direct selection based on number of bolls per plant, boll weight and seed index may be helpful in developing high yielding varieties in upland cotton.