Study of Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Seed Cotton Yield, Yield Attributing and Fibre Quality Traits in Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract

The study was conducted with 56 genotypes of cotton in alpha lattice design with two replications at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam Farm, Guntur during Kharif season 2024. Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important fibre crop contributing significantly to the textile industry and the agricultural economy. Improving its yield and fibre quality traits remains a major breeding objective. In this context correlation and path coefficient analysis were assessed for 19 characters among 56 genotypes of upland cotton. Correlation studies revealed that no. of sympodia per plant, no. of bolls per plant, boll weight, seed index, lint index, seed cotton yield per plant at 140 days after sowing, seed cotton yield per plant at 165 days after sowing and oil content recorded significant positive association with total seed cotton yield per plant indicating more emphasis should be given to these traits during breeding programme to make selection effective. Further partitioning of correlation into direct and indirect effects showed that characters no. of sympodia per plant, no. of bolls per plant, lint index, seed cotton yield per plant at 140 days after sowing, seed cotton yield per plant at 165 days after sowing, tenacity value had direct positive effect on total seed cotton yield per plant. Thus, correlation and path analysis clearly indicated that direct selection based on no. of sympodia per plant, no. of bolls per plant, lint index, seed cotton yield per plant at 140 days after sowing, seed cotton yield per plant at 165 days after sowing may be helpful in developing high yielding varieties in upland cotton.