Genetic analysis and genetic advance studies for yield related traits in Upland Cotton

Global warming is one of the reason  of increase in temperature, and in response cotton production is adversely affected . Although upland cotton is sun loving plant. That is why research work related to heat tolerance in cotton is a step forward. Objective of this study was to develop understanding the genetic basis of heat stress tolerance in upland cotton. The presence and identification of genetic variation for certain traits namely, plant height, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, number of seeds per boll and seed cotton yield is one of the prerequisite to start research work. Genotypes DNH-40 and VH-259 were used for the development of F1 hybrid. This cross was then used for the development of F2, BC1 and BC2 populations for genetic studies of yield related traits. Analysis of varience revealed that significant differences were present among the the generations for certain traits. Further, these  traits were controlled by both additive and non-additive type of gene action including epistatic effects. This showed that selection should be carried out in later generations for improvement in these traits. Seed cotton yield was controlled by duplicate type of epistasis under both stress conditions. Genetic advance studies showed that F2 population could be used for selection in order to improve plant height and seed cotton yield due to high genetic advance and heritability present in these traits. Hybrid breeding could be suggested in number of boll per plant, boll weight and number of seeds per bolls due to low genetic advance and high heritability.