Studies on genetic variability correlation and path analysis in upland cotton

Abstract

The research work for studying genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance as well as correlation and path coefficient analysis for 13 traits with sixty seven genotypes of upland cotton was carried out during winter 2017 at Cotton Research Station, Srivilliputtur, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India. The variability studies indicated that the high estimate of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was observed for seed cotton yield per plant. High phenotypic coefficient of variation and moderate genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for the number of monopodia per plant. High heritability observed for the number of monopodia per plant, the number of bolls per plant, seed index, lint index, ginning percentage, 2.5% span length, uniformity ratio, bundle strength, fibre fineness and seed cotton yield per plant. The number of monopodia per plant, the number of bolls per plant, bundle strength, fibre fineness and seed cotton yield per plant shows high heritability coupled with high genetic advance over mean indicating the preponderance of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. The correlation study revealed that plant height, the number of monopodia per plant, the number of sympodia per plant and the number of bolls per plant had a significant positive association with seed cotton yield per plant. Path analysisindicated that the number of bolls per plant and seed index have maximum positive direct effect on seed cotton yield per plant.