Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Sixty eight diverse genotypes of American cotton Gossypium hirsutum L. were evaluated for 13 quantitative and fibre quality traits. The variability studies indicated that high PCV and GCV was observed in case of seed cotton yield/plant and number of bolls/plant while moderate PCV and GCV was observed in case of days to first flower, plant height and boll weight. Seed cotton yield/plant, days to first flower, plant height, number of bolls/plant and boll weight shows high heritability with high genetic advance over mean. The correlation study revealed that seed cotton yield was found to be positively and significantly correlated with traits like days to first flower, plant height, number of monopodial branches, number of bolls/plant, seed index, lint index, ginning out turn, and uniformity ratio, whereas it had negative association with boll weight, 2.5% span length, fibre fineness, and bundle strength. Path analysis revealed that days to first flower, number of monopodial branches, number of bolls/plant, boll weight, seed index, lint index, ginning out turn and uniformity ratio showed positive direct effect on seed cotton yield. Hence selection for these traits would be quite effective to improve the seed cotton yield in upland cotton.