Range of variability for economic characters in cotton germplasm (G. hirsutum L)

Three hundred germplasm lines of Gossypium hirsutum L. were evaluated during 1996–97 and 1997–98 crop seasons. An assessment of range of variability present in respect of various economic characters has been made. Promising germplasm lines with high yield (55 gm and above per plant), mean boll weight (4.00 gm and above), boll number per plant, monopods, sympods, ginning out turn (35.0% and above) and mean halo length (26 mm and above) have been listed. Fifteen germplasm lines combining moderate to high yields with other economic characters have.been identified which may be included in the hybridization programme of crop improvement. Two germplasm lines namely, MEX. 121 and 51.041 (V 1508) have outyielded for almost all the characters studied.