Combining ability analysis for yield and fibre quality parameters in intraspecific hybrids of G. hirsutum L.

Four genetically diverse jassid resistant varieties viz., SRT 1, Khandwa 2, KC 2 and SVPR 3 (Females i.e lines) were crossed with three standard varieties viz., MCU 5, MCU 7 and MCU 12 (male parents i.e., testers) in line x tester fashion for estimation in combining ability effects of twelve economic characters including fibre quality traits like 2.5% span length, bundle strength, fibre fineness, uniformity ratio and elongation percentage. Non-additive type of gene action was found relatively more important for all the characters. The jassid resistant parent KC 2 was a good combiner for boll weight, lint index, seed index and bundle strength besides seed cotton yield. While the parents SRT 1 and MCU 5 were found to be good general combiner for 2.5 per cent span length. On the basis of sca effects the combinations KC 2 x MCU 5, KC 2 x MCU 12 and Khandwa 2 x MCU 5 were the best hybrids for combining high yield, quality and jassid resistance.