Genetics of yield and some yield contributing traits in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract

Inheritance, general combining ability and specific combining ability were studied using four parents: FH-901, NIAB-Karishma, CIM-496 and MS-84 for different plant traits in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Mean values of all genotypes were significantly different from each other for all the traits studied. Epistasis was not found to be involved in any of the traits. The inheritance of all the traits was controlled by additive type of gene action with partial dominance except seed cotton yield that was controlled by over-dominance type of gene action. It was further noticed that the parent MS-84 was best general combiner for the traits like plant height, number of monopodial branches and number of bolls. The cross MS-84 × NIAB-Karishma showed greater specific combining ability for plant height, number of monopodial branches and number of sympodial branches.