Variability and association studies for yield and yield components in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under red chalka soils

Studies conducted with 60 cotton genotypes for yield components and fibre quality traits under red chalka soil revealedhigh genotypic coefficient of variation and genetic gain for number of bolls, boll weight, ginning out turn, lint yield andseed cotton yield and these traits could be improved by simple selection. Correlation and path analysis studies revealed thatseed cotton yield is highly influenced by lint yield. Significant positive association exists between number of bolls perplant, boll weight, ginning out turn, bundle strength, lint yield and seed cotton yield. Lint yield registered high orderpositive direct effect on seed yield. The present study signified the importance of number of bolls per plant , boll weightalong with lint yield for overall improvement of seed cotton yield.