Genetics correlation and path coefficient analysis of cotton yield with some contributing quantitative and qualitative traits in Upland Cotton (Gosspypium hirsutum L.)

Authors: Bechere, Efrem; Zeng, Linghe

Submitted to: Journal of Crop Improvement
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/13/2014
Publication Date: 10/15/2014
Citation: Bechere, E., Zeng, L. 2014. Genetics correlation and path coefficient analysis of cotton yield with some contributing quantitative and qualitative traits in Upland Cotton (Gosspypium hirsutum L.). Journal of Crop Improvement. 28(6):852-870.

Interpretive Summary: Lint yield in cotton is a complex trait which is controlled by many genes. It is affected by many components with direct and indirect effects. Breeders should be aware of these traits and their interactions to successfully develop high yielding germplasm in cotton. In this study, twelve diverse germplasm lines of upland cotton were used to investigate the effects of lint percent, days to maturity, boll weight, number of bolls/plant, plant height, number of seeds/boll, boll width, boll length, seed index, number of Iocs/boll, number of fibers/seed, fiber density, HVI and AFIS fiber quality parameters on lint yield. The materials were planted at two locations each during 2011 and 2012 at Stoneville, MS. The results in this study indicated that lint turnout (0.52), plant height (0.43), number of bolls/plant (0.29), boll weight (0.22), seed index (0.17) and boll width (0.14) had high direct effects on lint yield. Seed index had high indirect effect on lint yield through boll width (r=0.33**) which in turn had high indirect effect on lint yield through boll weight (r=0.50**). Number of bolls also indirectly affected lint yield through plant height (r=0.31**). The indirect effect of seed index on lint yield through boll weight (r=0.33**) was also observed. Cotton breeders should address these traits in their selection programs to select for improved lint yield.

Technical Abstract: Many quantitative and qualitative traits interact to affect lint yield in upland cotton. Breeders should be aware of these traits and their interactions before embarking on a breeding program to improve lint yield. In this study, twelve diverse germplasm lines of upland cotton were used to investigate the effects of lint percent, days to maturity, boll weight, number of bolls/plant, plant height, number of seeds/boll, boll width, boll length, seed index, number of locs/boll, number of fibers/seed, fiber density, HVI and AFIS fiber quality parameters on lint yield. The materials were planted at two locations each during 2011 and 2012 at Stoneville, MS. PATHSAS, a SAS computer progream that calculates path coefficients, simple correlations, indirect and direct effects, and genotypic correlations was ised to analyze the data. The results of path coefficient analyses indicated that lint turnout (0.52), plant height (0.43), number of bolls/plant (0.29), boll weight (0.22), seed index (0.17) and boll width (0.14) had high direct effects on lint yield. Seed index had high indirect effect on lint yield through boll width (r=0.33**) which in turn had high indirect effect on lint yield through boll weight (r=0.50**). Number of bolls also indirectly affected lint yield through plant height (r=0.31**). The indirect effect of seed index on lint yield through boll weight (r-0.33**) was also observed. Cotton breeders should address these traits in their selection programs to select for improved lint yield.