Genetic analysis of certain characters of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

A five parent half diallel cross of cotton Gossypium hirsutum L. Varieties/cultivars viz.; TH-41/83, TH-16/87, CRIS-85, TH-168/87 and CRIS-52 was, analyzed for plant height, number of monopodial per plant, number of sympidia, number of bolls, seed cotton yield per plant, seed index, lint yield per plant, boll weight and seed weight per plant. The material was sown in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications. Five plants from each genotype per replication were randomly selected for recording the data. The mean squares for the characters plant height, seed index, boll weight and seed weight per plant were non-significant, hence further analysis of these characters was not carried our- Mean squares for number of monopodia, number of sympodia number of boll, seed cotton yield and lint yield were significant at l and 5% level of probability. Therefore analysis of gene action for these characters were carried out . Number of monopodia per plant showed over- dominance type of gene act ion and CRIS-52 52 had maximum dominant. genes while TH-41/83 had maximum recessive genes. Parent CRIS 52 and its cross with TH-41/83 were found preferable for breeding programme. Number of sympodia displayed complete dominance type of gene action. TH-168/87 had maximum dominant genes while CRIS-52 and CRIS-85 had maximum recessive genes. Cross CRIS-85 X CRIS-52 was found as a superior combination. Number of boll: per plant showed over-dominance type of gene action. CRIS-52 had maximum dominant genes while TH-41/83 had maximum recessive genes. Variety CRIS-85 and its combination with TH-1/83 was of interest for breeding purposes. seed cotton yield per plant indicated 16/87 had most of the dominant genes while TH- 11/83 had maximum cultivars CRIS-85 X TH-41/83 proved its betterness by giving the highest yield. For the character lint ;yield per plant, over dominant type of gene action was observed. TH-168/87 had maximum dominant genes while TH-41/83 had maximum recessive genes. CRIS-85 x TH- 41/83 and TH-16/87 x TH- 41/83 were recommendable combinations.