Analysis of Genetic Effect and Correlation for Seed Quality Traits in Transgenic Bt Insect-resistant Cotton

With genetic models for diploid plant seed,data for 9 upland cotton parents and 30 hybrid combinations were analyzed for three seed physical traits(seed index,kernel percentage,kernel/hull)and three kernel nutrient quality traits(protein content,oil content,gossypol content).The results indicated that the embryo effects and maternal effects for seed quality traits were more important than that of cytoplasmic effects.In addition,kernel percentage was controlled by cytoplasmic effects.Seed index and kernel/hull were mainly controlled by the maternal dominant effects.Protein content was controlled by the dominant effects.The maternal additive effects were the mainly effects for gossypol content and oil content.Maternal correlations were chief between the kernel percentage and kernel/hull,as well as that with three nutrient quality traits.Correlation components were estimated among six seed or kernel quality traits.The positive dominant correlation was obtained between seed index and protein content.Significant negative dominant correlations were found between seed index and gossypol content,as well as seed index and oil content.