Study of Heterosis for Yield and its Components in GMS Based Intra and Interspecific Crosses of Asiatic Cotton (G. arboreum L. and G. herbaceum L.)

Total of 48 Genetic Male Sterility (GMS) based diploid cotton hybrids including standard check (G Cot MDH 11) along with parents were evaluated at three different locations in Gujarat viz., Surat, Bharuch and Hansot to estimate the level of heterosis. The analysis of variance revealed that the parents and hybrids differed significantly for all the traits under study indicating presence of considerable genetic variability between the genotypes. The crosses viz., 35N X 824 (intra arboretum); 4011 X G Cot 17, 4011 X Gshv 1012/90 (intra herbaceum) and 378 BK X 824, 4011 X 824, 35N X G Cot 17 and 8401 X G Cot 17 (interspecific) which were recorded significant positive heterosis for seed cotton yield over standard check, also have significant positive heterosis for yield component trait like boll number. The magnitude of heterosis was higher in interspecific crosses as compared to intraspecific crosses.