Combining ability studies for yield and yield contributing traits in desi cotton (Gossypiumarboreum L.)

Line x tester analysis was carried out involving 5 line and 6 testers for seed cotton yield and yield contributing traits. Significant difference among genotypes was observed for all traits under study meaning thereby considerable amount of genetic variability. The genotypes PA 828, PA 848and AKA 9703 were found good general combiner for seed cotton yield and yield contributing characters. The cross combinations PA 848 x Phule Dhan wantary and PA 760 x PA 08had significant sca effects for seed cotton yield. Therefore, the breeder should compromise at acceptable values of seed cotton yield and fiber quality parameters. It is advocated that the genotypes having such values for these traits could be used in further breeding programme.