Investigating the Gene Action and Combining Ability Effects on Yield Attributes in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Author(s) : Muhammad Daniyal Junaid, Ali Abbass, Muhammad Waleed Meeran, Tariq Manzoor Khan, Muhammad Shahjahan Bukhari, Atique Ur Rehman, Muhammad Aneeq Ur Rahman

Digital object identifier:

https://doi.org/10.52587/JAF060111

Abstract:

Gossypium hirsutum L. is a major cash crop that supports the textile and edible oil industries. To meet the growing demand, identifying parent plants with superior economic and quality traits is essential. This study aimed to assess the combining ability and vigor performance of four cotton genotypes through a complete diallel mating system. F1 hybrids were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Traits studied included plant height, boll number, branch types, seed per boll, seed cotton yield, and fiber quality, including fiber length, strength, and fineness. The SGA and Cyto-178 cultivars exhibited high general combining ability (GCA), indicating their potential for hybrid breeding programs. Among the crosses, Cyto-178×SLH-8 showed the best fiber length, while VH-369×SLH-8 excelled in fiber strength. The VH-369×SGA cross demonstrated high specific combining ability (SCA) for fiber fineness. The study revealed that SCA variance was more significant than GCA and RCA variance, providing valuable insights for future cotton breeding programs to improve F1 hybrids and benefit both farmers and consumers.