INHERITANCE OF SEED COTTON YIELD AND RELATED TRAITS IN COTTON (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L.)

Different genetic parameters and relationships of seed cotton yield with yield related traits were estimated among thirty upland cotton genotypes. Fuzzy seed weight and non fuzzy seed weight showed lesser genetic variability while cotyledonary leaf area, gossypol glands, emergence %, and seed cotton yield exhibited intermediate range of variability. Sufficient genetic variability was observed only for fuzz weight. Heritability values were significant and moderate to high for all the traits. High heritability estimates were found for seed cotton yield followed by cotyledonary leaf area. Fuzzy seed weight, non fuzzy seed weight, leaf area, gossypol glands and emergence % exhibited significant positive genotypic and phenotypic correlations with seed cotton yield. Fuzz weight of single seed showed significant negative genotypic and phenotypic correlations with seed cotton yield. Adequate genetic potential was observed in cotton genotypes under study and information generated here in regarding heritability and other genetic parameters might be useful for establishing selection criteria for improvement of seed yield.