Genetic Variability and Heritability in Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Forty five hybrids along with their ten parents ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) were studied to observe genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for seed cotton yield and its contributing characters. The analysis of variance revealed that the sufficient variability was present in the material for all the characters. The Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) was slightly higher than Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) for all the characters indicating the influence of the environment. The variability studies indicated that high PCV and GCV was observed in case of number of seed index, seed cotton yield plant -1 and lint yield plant -1 . High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for number of bolls plant -1 , boll weight, seed index, lint index, micronaire value, seed cotton yield plant -1 and lint yield plant -1 , which provides better scope for advancement through direct selection.