CORRELATION AND GENETIC ARCHITECTURE OF SEED TRAITS AND OIL CONTENT IN GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L.

Abstract

The analysis of correlation and genetic architecture of 15 F₁ hybrids and their five parents were made. Objective of the study was to investigate the gene action governing cotton seed oil content and some seed physical characters as well as their correlation in cotton. Cotton seed oil content showed positive correlation with seed index. Seed volume contribute towards oil content through seed index. Significant GCA and SCA mean squares were observed for all traits except number of seeds per boll which had non-significant GCA effect. All the traits observed were controlled by non-additive gene action although additive genes were also involved in inheritance of seed index, seed volume, fibre mass per seed and cotton seed oil content. Cotton seed oil content can be improved both through selection or hybrid development.