Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for seed cotton yield improvement in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract

The present study was undertaken for estimation of genetic variability, genotypic correlation and path analysis in parents, F1’s of 4 (lines) × 8 (testers) and one check hybrid (Bunny) in intra-specific crosses of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). High PCV and GCV recorded for number of monopodia and single plant yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance recorded for most of the characters except for uniformity ratio and bundle strength. Very high direct effect was observed in days to first flowering, number of monopodia, number of bolls per plant and number of sympodia on single plant yield. Aassociation analysis revealed that single plant yield exhibited significant positive correlation with days to first flowering, number of sympodia, number of bolls, boll weight, internode length, number of nodes, seed index, lint index, ginning out turn and fibre fineness and hence selection for these characters will help in selecting genotypes with high yield.