Estimation of Economic Heterosis for Seed Cotton Yield Components and Fibre Traits of American Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

Abstract

A Line x Tester analysis was undertaken to estimate the magnitude of heterosis in Gossypium hirsutum for yield, its component traits and fibre quality parameters in 16 cross combinations. These hybrids along with check hybrids CSHH 198 and CSHH 238 were planted. during 2013-14 at the Central Institute for Cotton Research, Regional Station, Sirsa. The analysis of variance indicated that the mean squares of genotypes were significant for seed cotton yield, number of bolls/plant, boll weight, ginning outturn, 2.5% span length and strength (g/tex) except micronaire value indicating the presence of variability among hybrids and their parents. Studies revealed that only one cross RS 2013 x CSH 2811 exhibited significant economic heterosis over the check hybrid CSHH 238 for seed cotton yield. Similarly for number of monopods per plant and seed index, the cross Jhorar x CSH 2811 showed significant positive heterosis. For boll weight, 2.5% span length, bundle strength and micronaire value none of the cross combinations showed significant desirable heterosis. The study reveals a good scope for commercial exploitation of heterosis as well as isolation of pure lines among the progenies of other heterotic F, hybrids.