GENETIC APTITUDE AND CORRELATION STUDIES IN GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L.

The experiment for determining genetic potential of different cotton genotypes and correlation studies among different yield traits in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was conducted during 2008 at the NWFP Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan. The breeding material consisted of eight upland cotton genotypes i.e. CIM-446, CIM-473, CIM-496, CIM-499, CIM-506, CIM-554, CIM- 707 and SLH-284. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replications. Data were recorded on plant height, bolls plant -1 , boll weight, seeds locule -1 , seeds boll -1 and seed cotton yield plant -1 . Significant (p<0.01) variations were observed among the genotypes for all the parameters. The cultivar CIM-506 performed well by having maximum bolls, seed cotton yield with short stature plants and medium boll weight, seeds locule -1 and seeds boll -1 . The cultivars CIM-707, CIM-554 and CIM-496 also showed appreciable genetic potential. Major yield components (bolls plant -1 , boll weight, seeds locule -1 and seeds boll -1 ) were also found to have positive correlation with seed cotton yield. However, plant height (due to lodging) was noticed negatively correlated with yield.