Genetic variability studies in American cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract

Thirty genotypes of American cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were studied the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for twelve yield contributing traits at Cotton Research Unit, Dr. PDKV, Akola (MS). Analysis of variance revealed significant magnitude of variation among thirty genotypes collected from major cotton growing regions of country. Phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were higher in magnitude than genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for all twelve traits, high values of GCV and PCV were observed for traits viz., number of monopodial branches per plant, number of sympodial branches per plant, number of bolls per plant and lint yield per plant. The estimates of ECV indicated the numbers of monopodial and sympodial branches per plant are highly influenced by environmental factors so the selection for these traits will not be effective. The high heritability (broad sense) were estimated in traits viz., plant height, days to 50 per cent flowering, days to 50 per cent boll bursting, number of bolls per plant, lint index, lint yield per plant and ginning outturn indicating predominance of additive gene action and hence simple selection would effective for improvement of these traits. The cultivar AKH 08-3 found to be best performer for seed cotton yield and number of bolls.