Correlation and Path Analysis of Cotton Genetic Characters in the Whole Growth Period under Drought Stress Condition

The relationship between main genetic characters and lint yield of 15 cotton varieties in the whole growth period was studied by the way of correlation and path analysis.The results showed that the lint yield very significantly positively correlated with the boll number per plant and plant height,significantly positively correlated with lint percent,while significantly negatively correlated with boll weight and boll number per plant.The direct path coefficient between boll number per plant and lint yield was the highest.The boll number per plant was the decisive and the most contributive factor to the lint yield.Plant height impacted the lint yield through other characters,and the indirect path coefficient was positive,indicating that plant height was the important factor influencing the lint yield of drought resistant varieties.