Heterosis studies in cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.)

The highest and significant heterosis over mid parent and better parent for seed cotton yield plant⁻¹ was recorded in the cross AKA-7 X G-27, and for number of bolls plant⁻¹ in the cross AKA-7 X GBav-127. Similarly higher heterosis over mid parent and best check was observed for number of sympodia plant⁻¹ in cross AKA-7 X GBav-127. The significantly high heterosis over standard check for seed cotton yield plant⁻¹, 100-seed weight, number of bolls plant⁻¹ and number of monopodia plant⁻¹ was recorded in the crosses JLA-794 X JLA-505, PA-183 X CNA-1008, AKA-7 X NDAL-2981 and JLA-794 X GBav-127, respectively. The cross combination showing increased heterosis for one trait, also gave high heterosis for either one or more other characters. The crosses JLA-794 X JLA505 and AKA-7 X G-27 were found to be most promising on the basis of performance and heterosis response. These can be exploited in further breeding program.