Evaluation of Genetic Variability for Different Fiber and Yield Related Components in Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum L.)

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum.) is a vital commodity, and fiber and cash crop grown as an important part of cropping systems around the globe. However, Pakistan's production has not been according to its potential for many years. Its production and yield have decreased in Pakistan due to the loss of genetic diversity and lack of empirical research. Therefore, the current research was performed to evaluate the genetic diversity for sixteen yield components among 19 local and one exotic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes. The experiment was conducted at the experimental site of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The experiment was performed under the Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among all traits for available genotypes. The mean value for seed cotton yield ranged from 106.8 to 35.5 g. Genotype ZB-18026 displayed the maximum mean value, whereas genotype ZB-18032 showed the minimum mean value for this particular trait. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was calculated for most traits. Lint mass per seed showed the highest heritability value (99.99%). Lint mass per boll showed the lowest value of heritability coupled with genetic advance. The phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) was higher than most traits' corresponding genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV). Boll weight manifested the highest PCV (68.7088%) and GCV (61.0473%). While traits, such as seed index and fiber strength, showed low values of GCV and PCV. The information related to the genetic variability of genotypes for various traits can be utilized as a basis for further genetic evaluations for future breeding programs.

Evaluating Combining Abilities and Heterotic Effects for Enhanced Cotton Yield

“…The chief objective of cotton breeders is to evaluate new cotton varieties having textile industry quality fiber as well as high lint yield (Khalid et al, 2021). Different breeding methods are being used by cotton breeders worldwide to develop new cotton varieties (Iqbal et al, 2023). Choice of selection method to increase productivity primarily depends upon genetic control of yield related traits, heterosis, and combining ability of the genotypes for parameters under consideration (Shafique et al, 2023).…”

“…Accomplishment of breeding program is majorly dependent on the selection of parents (Babar et al, 2022). Choice of competent parents leads to a successful breeding program and, after that the selection of the best hybrid crosses (Riaz et al, 2023). Plant breeders have been extensively using diallel analysis to identify parental varieties and hybrid crosses in the initial generations (Bhutta et al, 2023).…”

“…It has also become potential means for selecting cotton hybrids (Chaudhry et al, 2022). Due to heterosis, many hybrids have been developed with superior performance and stress resistance (Riaz et al, 2023). The word "heterosis" was first presented by George H. Shull.…”

“…Res. J., 2023:384. doi: https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v2023i1.384] 2 superior yield potential and fiber quality traits compared to pure varieties (Iqbal et al, 2023). This breeding approach helps determine the extremely suitable parents for improving yield contributing traits (Bano et al, 2023).…”

“…Positive heterosis occurs due to the superiority of F1 while the inferiority of F1 results in negative heterosis. Both are fairly useful in certain situations according to the breeding requirement (Chaudhry et al, 2022;Hassan et al, 2022;Fatima et al, 2023;Hafeez et al, 2021;Iqbal et al, 2023). Commercial heterosis is more useful in cotton than the mid and better parent heterosis (Hassan et al, 2021;Imtiaz et al, 2022).…”