Evaluation of line × tester crosses for heterosis, heterobeltiosis and economic heterosis in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Heterotic performance was estimated to determine the potential of cotton hybrid in line x tester combinations and to identify of potential genotypes suitable for hybrid crop development in cotton. Two types of heterosis are estimated, the heterotic effect of F 1 hybrid over mid-parent (relative heterosis) and over better parent (heterobeltiosis). Seven parents (4 lines and 3 testers) along with their 12 hybrids were studied in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 2 replications during Kharif at field. The traits/characters studied were; plant height (cm), monopodial branches plant -1 , sympodial branches plant -1 , boll weight (g), No of bolls plant -1 , seed cotton yield plant -1 (g), ginning outturn percentage (GOT %), seed index (g), lint index (g), staple length (mm). Regarding heterotic estimates, crosses Bt. NIAB-777 x sadori gave maximum heterosis for plant height, sympodial branches, seed index, lint index and Bt.CIM-595 x CIM-506 manifested maximum heterosis for G.O.T%, seed index and lint index. Other hybrids, Bt.886 x CIM-506 demonstrated high heterosis for sympodial branches, boll weight and staple length and Bt. NIAB-852 x sadori for monopodial branches, G.O.T% and Staple length. The high heterosis displaying hybrids may be exploited for hybrid vigour for various characters.