Genetic analysis of morphological and yield contributing traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

The use of already existing genetic variability in the breeding material as well as the creation of new variability along with the genetic understanding of various agronomic traits is of crucial importance to develop potential sources of cotton. The 5x5 complete diallel cross experiment was carried out in order to determine gene action as well as general and specific combining ability consisting of five parental genotypes namely MNH-700, BH-162, CIM-499, FH-634 and Sarmast. All the traits were controlled by additive type of gene action with partial dominance. Maximum numbers of dominant genes were observed in FH- 634 for plant height and number of sympodial branches. Variety CIM-499 has maximum number of dominant genes for number of bolls, number of sympodial branches and seed cotton yield while SARMAST has maximum number of dominant genes for boll weight. MNH-700 was good general combiner for boll weight and number of bolls, CIM-499 for seed cotton yield and number of sympodial branches while BH-162 and FH-634 for plant height and number of monopodial branches, respectively. From above results it was suggested that these characters can be improved through appropriate selection procedure because all these characters are controlled by additive type of gene action with partial dominance while the parents with good specific combining abilities for certain traits can be used for hybrid development.