Genetics of Agronomic and Fiber Traits in Upland Cotton under Drought Stress

Genetics of agronomic (plant height, boll number, boll weight, seed weight, seed cotton yield & lint percentage) and fiber (staple length, fiber strength & fiber fineness) traits was investigated using generation means analysis of parental, Fj, F2 and backcross generations involving drought sensitive (FH-87, MNH-329) and tolerant (CIM-446, MNH-513) cotton genotypes under drought and normal conditions. The genotype, FH 87 was highest in number of bolls per plant and seed cotton yield under normal environment. Significant differences were observed among generations for the traits studied in both crosses under both conditions. The traits studied were controlled by additive and dominance type of gene action along with interactions under both conditions. It may be suggested that selection for drought tolerant plants should be delayed until later segregating generations in a breeding program. Difference of gene action within the crosses under well watered and drought stress conditions suggest that selection for drought tolerant plants should be carried out under simulated drought conditions. © 2010 Friends Science Publishers