Correlation and path analysis of yield and fibre quality traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Author(s): Kiran Kadam, Dr. VN Chinchane, Smita Deshmukh and Ritu Rani
Abstract: This investigation aimed to analyze correlations and conduct path analysis of yield and fibre quality traits in American cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Fifty diverse elite cotton genotypes, including four check varieties, were cultivated in a Randomized Block Design with two replications during the 2022-23 kharif season at the Cotton Research Station, Nanded. Correlation coefficients played a pivotal role in elucidating trait associations, with genotypic correlation generally surpassing phenotypic correlation, revealing inherent trait relationships. This understanding is crucial for crop enhancement programs, offering insights into the relative contributions of each trait to overall yield. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive genotypic and phenotypic correlations between plant height, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, fibre fineness, and seed cotton yield per plant. Path coefficient analysis determined direct and indirect trait effects on seed cotton yield per plant, emphasizing traits such as the number of bolls per plant, plant height, ginning percentage, lint index, uniformity ratio, and fibre strength, which directly and positively impacted yield. Consequently, these attributes merit priority in selecting high-yielding American cotton genotypes. The study underscored that the number of bolls per plant, plant height, boll weight, number of sympodia per plant, ginning percentage, lint index, and fibre fineness were pivotal for effectively selecting superior American cotton genotypes.
