Vol. 10, Issue 5 (2021)

Author(s):
K Sakthivel and S Somasundaram

Abstract:
Study of association of the yield contributing characters paves way in any selection programme targeted towards yield improvement. Eleven intra hirsutum F₄ populations were raised in winter rainfed condition in Cotton Research Station, Veppanthattai during the year 2018-19. Single plants were selected based on biometrical traits viz., seed cotton yield, plant height, number of monopodial branches per plant, number of sympodial branches per plant, number of bolls per plant. Among the crosses, three crosses viz., TCH 1705-152 x KC3, African I-2 x TCH 1705 and African I -2 x COD 5-1-2 in which number of plants selected were higher were used to study the inter-relationship. The results revealed that invariably, in all three crosses it was observed that no. of bolls had significant positive association with seed cotton yield. Path analysis revealed the highest positive direct effects for plant height and number of bolls per plant in majority of crosses. The positive indirect effect for seed cotton yield was observed for number of bolls per plant. Selection for these traits would be useful in selection programme under rainfed conditions.