Abstract

                                In a combining ability analysis of 28 F1 hybrids developed in a line x tester method in Gossypium hirsutum L., non-additive gene action was predominant for number of sympodia per plant, ginning outturn, uniformity ratio and bundle strength. Additive gene action was predominant for number of bolls per plant, seed cotton yield per plant, lint index and 2.5% span length. Preponderance of both additive and non-additive gene action was observed for boll weight and elongation per cent. The genotypes H16, H22; H8 and H12 proved to be best general combiners for more number of characters. H9xHS, H16xH12 and H19xHL34 exhibited favourable sea effects for more number of characters indicating the possibility of utilising these genotypes for further exploitation.

Key words : Gossypium hirsutum, combining ability