Genetic analysis of fibre quality and yield related traits in desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.)

The present investigation was undertaken in 48 desi cotton genotypes to study the genetic divergence and character association for fibre quality and yield related traits. The results of Mahalanobis D2 analysis indicated the presence of considerable genetic divergence among the genotypes. They were grouped into nine clusters. The crosses made between the genotypes of cluster V (NDLA-3066) with cluster VII (NDLA 3105-5) followed by cluster IX (NDLA 3147- 2) with cluster VII (NDLA 3105-5) and cluster VI (NDLA-2974) with cluster VII (NDLA 3105-5) are expected to give desirable segregants. Of the 15 characters studied, elongation percentage, seed cotton yield, UHML, bundle strength and lint yield contributed maximum towards divergence. The correlation study showed significant positive association of boll weight and lint yield with seed cotton yield per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. So, increase in seed cotton yield per plant can be attained by the improvement of boll weight and lint yield in breeding programme.