A complete diallel cross experiment was conducted involving five cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes viz. SLH-41, F-281, COKER-3113, LA-85-52-1 and H-88-8-J.69-J.70 to explore genetic effects controlling various quantitative traits. Data on major agaronomic traits including plant height, number of monopodial branches, sympodial branches, number of bolls per plant and boll weight were recorded. All the genotypes were found to be significantly different from each other for the above mentioned traits. Joint regression analysis proved the validity of the data of all traits for additive-dominance model. All the traits almost showed over dominant type of gene action while the inheritance of number of sympodial branches was of additive type with partial dominance. Over dominance suggested heterosis breeding as an appropriate tool for improvement of these traits.
Diallel analysis, Cotton genetics, Yield parameters, Variation, Gossypium hirsutum L
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