Genetics of yield, yield attributes and their implications in breeding of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

A 9 X 9 diallel cross analysis indicated predominance of additive variation for seed cotton yield per plant and six otheryield attributes including bolls perplant. Genotype Laxmi was a good general combiner for five of the seven traits including bolls per plant. DS-4 and DS-56 were also good combiners, the latter showing significant gca effects for seed cotton yield per plant and bolls per plant. Potential cross combinations were also identified for giving good yields. Three crosses, DS-56 X RRD-417, RRD-425 X DP-1635 and DS-4 X FORN-1 based on sca effects were considered ideal for exploitation of heterosis.