Combining Ability Analysis of Agronomic and Fibre Traits under Irrigation and Drought in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Author(s) : Muhammad Akbar, Khezir Hayat, Farzana Ashraf, Syed Bilal Hussain, Hafiz Muhammad Imran

Abstract:

This study was carried out for developing high yielding cotton genotypes having fiber superiority under drought stress conditions. Five upland cotton accessions were screened out as drought tolerant and three as drought susceptible on the basis of root shoot parameters. The results of root shoot screening experiment were verified in field screening on the basis of agronomical and physiological parameters. These eight genotypes were grown in glass house conditions and crossed in line × tester mating design. During the next cotton season, these fifteen cotton hybrids and parents were sown in field conditions. Traits related to yield and fiber quality under the study showed significant variations among the accessions and their half sibs. Furthermore, the line MS-64 and tester BH-176 had better yield performance under water stress. The cross combinations viz., GS-444 × MPS-11, and COOKER-315 × Cyto-62 were the best for yield contributing traits. These combinations may be helpful for germplasm enhancement on large scale under water scarcity.