Heterosis and combining ability estimates through line × tester analysis in inter-specific hybrids of cotton (G. hirsutum L. × G. barbadense L.)

The present investigation comprised of seventy two inter-specific hybrids obtained by mating twelve diverse lines of G. hirsutum and five testers of G. barbadense in line × tester fashion and were evaluated to study standard heterosis and combining ability for seed cotton yield and its component traits. Combining ability analysis indicated the preponderance of non-additive gene action for all the traits. The lines, L 762, MR 786, BS 37, NDLH 1938 and H 1442 and the testers, DB 16, DB 11 and GSB 41were found to be good general combiners for seed cotton yield plant⁻¹ and its component characters. The hybrid, L 1058 × TCB 37 exhibited high and significant positive sca effect for seed cotton yield plant⁻¹ and its contributing traits viz., number of bolls plant⁻¹, boll weight and seed index. The cross combinations, L 762 × TCB 37, H 1442 × DB 16 and H 1442 × GSB 41 registered high and significant positive heterosis over both the standard checks for seed cotton yield plant⁻¹. The cross combinations which are showing high standard heterosis and sca effects may be recommended for commercial cultivation after testing their stable performance for seed cotton yield.