Correlations between Lint Yield and Root and Plant Main Characters of Upland Cotton

The correlations between lint yield and root and plant main characters of upland cotton were studied. The results showed that number of bolls by July 15, boll weight and taproot apeared negative correlation with lint yield. Oppositely, lint percentage, taproot length, plant height, number of fruiting branches, lateral root weight, all root weight, number of bolls by September 5, number of bolls by August 10 appeared positive correlation with lint yield. Among the eight characters, lint percentage was significantly correlated with lint yield at 0.05 level. The path analysis showed that such characters as taproot length, taproot weight, all root weight, number of bolls by July 15, plant height, boll weight and number of bolls by September 5 can be selected directly for improving lint yield, the others can not be selected directly. Taproot length was the most effective one for improving lint yield by selecting directly in the 11 characters and the following were plant height, number of bolls by July 5, all root weight, lint percentage was the most effective one for improving lint yield by selecting indirectly.