Estimation of genetic effects and interrelationship of morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes for drought tolerance in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

The knowledge about genetic effects controlling drought related parameters is necessary to understand the quantitative nature of the parameters responsible for drought tolerance mechanism For instance, MNH-886 and MNH-988 were crossed with FH-114 and FH-Kehkshan to develop generations (F-1, F-2, BC(1 )and BC2), respectively. Parents and developed generations were planted in the field area using triplicate Randomized Complete Block Design under two environmental conditions i.e., normal and drought. Data were recorded for morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes. Mean performance of the traits and estimation of genetic effects revealed quantitative nature of the traits. The presence of dominance main effect in abundance along with epistatic interactions particularly additive x dominance and dominance x dominance in most of the traits suggested for delayed selection in later segregating generations. Additionally, low-moderate narrow-sense heritability also suggested the same. Interrelationship of physiological and biochemical attributes with yield related traits revealed desirable association that would be helpful at the time of selection. Thus, the findings could be used as potential material in further breeding approaches for development of drought tolerant cotton varieties.