Combining Ability Estimates for Yield and Fibre Quality Traits in Line X Tester Crosses of Upland Cotton, (Gossypium hirsutum)

Abstract

This study was to estimate the GCA of the parents and SCA considered for the development of high yielding and betterquality cultivars. Eleven genotypes and 28 F1 hybrids obtained by crossing 4 lines and 7 testers in line X tester matingsystem were sown in randomized complete block design. L X T analysis revealed significant GCA and SCA effects forall the traits except earliness. Among the parents: MCU 12 for number of bolls per plant, boll weight, seed cotton yieldper plant, F 1861 for seed cotton yield and number of bolls per plant, SOCC 17 for earliness, SURABHI for number ofsympodia and TCH 1641 for ginning outturn and lint index with high GCA. Parent F 776 and F1861 were goodcombiners for fibre quality traits. The high yielding quality hybrids were deducted with significant SCA effects for seedcotton yield and fibre characteristics.