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Variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis was conducted using eight lines and seven testers
and their 56 F1s made with the parents of G.hirsutum and G. barbadense genotypes of diverse origin. The
phenotypic coefficient of variation which measures the total variation was found to be greater than the
genotypic coefficient of variation in majority of characters in the present study. The closer magnitude of
GCV and PCV indicated that genotype had played greater role rather than environment. High heritability
coupled with high genetic advance was noticed for the characters seed yield/plant, number of bolls/plant
indicating the presence of additive gene action in the expression of these traits. Correlation studies
revealed that seed cotton yield had positive significant correlation with number of bolls/plant and fibre
length. The value of genotypic correlation coefficient was higher than phenotypic correlation coefficient,
which denoted that there was strong association between these two characters genetically, but the
phenotypic value was lessened by the significant interaction of environment. Number of bolls/plant had
significant positive association with plant height and fibre length. The positive significant correlation was
observed for seed index, lint index and micronaire value with boll weight at genotypic and phenotypic
level. Thus for increasing seed cotton yield in cotton due emphasis should be given to number of
bolls/plant, boll weight (g), seed index, lint index and fibre length (mm) characters. Path coefficient
analysis revealed that number of sympodia/plant, number of bolls/plant, boll weight (g), seed index and
lint index directly influenced the seed cotton yield with high direct effects. It was concluded that these
characters could be considered as significant selection criteria for seed cotton yield improvement in
cotton.
Keywords: Cotton, variability, additive gene action, correlation, path analysis