Genetic Studies of Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Seed Oil, Yield and Fibre Quality Traits in Cotton (G. Hirsutum L.)

Correlation studies conducted using 4 lines, 7 testers and their 28 made with parents F1ʹs of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) revealed that seed cotton yield has positive significant correlation with days to fifty percent flowering, number of sympodia per plant, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, number of seed per boll, ginning outturn, lint index, seed index, and micronaire. In parents and hybrids, seed oil had negative correlation with seed cotton yield and days to first flowering. Seed oil had positive correlation with number of sympodia per plant, boll weight, number of seeds per boll, lint index, seed index and 2.5 per cent span length. Path analysis revealed that boll weight, number of sympodia per plant, lint index and number of seeds per boll directly influenced the seed cotton yield with high direct effects. Seed oil influenced the seed cotton yield negatively. The result of this study indicate that sympodia per plant, boll weight, number of seeds per boll, lint index, seed index and 2.5 per cent span length has been affected seed oil improvement in cotton. It was concluded that these characters should be considered as significant selection criteria for seed oil improvement in cotton.