Genetic divergence for ginning outturn and its components in upland cotton

Twenty varieties of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) from four different countries, K. 3199, K. 3814, K. 3822 and K. 4009 from U.S.S.R.; S.A. 153, S.A. 217, S.A. 231, S.A. 267, S.A. 858 and S.A. 923 from U.S.A.; 199F, 359F, and 362F, from Pakistan; and H. 14, H. 126, H. 139, H. 162, H. 165 and 320F from India, were grown in randomised blocks with four replications at the University Farm, P.A.U., Hissar.

Significant differences were revealed between the varieties considering the six characters (ginning outturn, lint index, seed index, mean fibre weight, seed surface area, and fibre density) collectively. Seed surface area and lint index contributed maximum towards the total divergence. The 20 varieties were grouped in five clusters depending on Mahalanobis's D² analysis. The clustering pattern of the varieties did not follow the pattern of their geographical distribution. The intra-cluster divergence was parallel in almost all the groups. American varieties (S.A. series) exhibited greatest diversity and hence appear desirable parents in a programme aimed at improving ginning outturn in upland cottons.