Genetic Variation Studies of Ionic and within Boll Yield Components in Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum L.) Under Salt Stress

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) productivity is decreasing alarmingly by salinity. For genetic analysis of cotton response to salinity 8 parental genotypes and their 16 F1 crosses were evaluated in Line × Tester fashion under normal and salt stress 15 dSm−1. Data were recorded for plant height, number of bolls plant−1, boll weight, lint weight, seed cotton yield plant−1, lint percentage, seed index, lint index, number of seeds boll−1, seed mass boll−1, lint mass boll−1, lint mass per seed, seed volume 100−1 seeds, seed surface area, ionic ratio, fiber strength, fiber length, fiber fineness, GOT %, SOD, POD, CAT, TSP, and H2O2. The results showed that SCA estimates were higher than the GCA indicating the preponderance of non-additive gene action. Kahkashan, MS-71, and CRS-2007 were found good general combiner whereas FH-114 × FH-312 was found the best specific combiner. FH-114 × KAHKASHAN and FH-114 × FH-312 demonstrated significant heterosis for most traits under normal and salt stress conditions. The present study revealed that salt tolerance ability is controlled by a few dominant genes in the identified genotypes.