Abstract

The ratio between gea and sea variances estimated from 9 lines, 6 testers and their 54 hybrids obtained by line x tester mating design indicated the predominance of non-additive gene action for all the yield traits viz, days to first flowering, plant height, number of monopodia per plant, number of sympodia per plant, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, seed cotton yield per plant and number of locules per boll. Identification of superior heterotic hybrids is mostly done based on the high per se performance, high sea effect associated with heterotic effect (standard heterosis). The following hybrids viz., TCH 1452 x Halden, MCU 12 x MCU 5, KC 2 x MCU 5, KC 2 x EC 35556, MCU 12 x Hancock and TCH 1452 x Uganda -8-9 were considered as superior and worth studying further.

Keywords: Cotton, Line x tester mating design, Combining ability, Heterosis, Yield characters.