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Heritability and Correlations of Agronomic and Fiber Traits in an Okra‐Leaf Upland Cotton Population
Author(s) -
Ulloa Mauricio
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci2005.08-0271
Subject(s) - heritability , biology , trait , selection (genetic algorithm) , population , fiber , gossypium , fiber crop , genetic correlation , gossypium hirsutum , malvaceae , agronomy , genetic variation , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , demography , gene , chemistry , organic chemistry , artificial intelligence , sociology , computer science , programming language
In cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.), the cost and time to develop and evaluate appropriate genetic populations have limited the number of intensive and complete heritability studies. Herein, three agronomic and 17 fiber quality traits were assessed for heritability and correlation analyses on progeny rows in an okra‐leaf cotton population of 208 families. Progenies were advanced in succeeding generations by a single‐seed descent. Comparison between F 2:3 and F 2:6 generations for individual traits and individual progeny by trait revealed significant differences between the two generations. Heritability estimates ( h 2 > 0.60), and correlations within and between ( r > 0.55) F 2:3 and F 2:6 , generations have practical applications for the simultaneous improvement of multiple fiber traits. Fiber strength was positively correlated to 2.5 and 50% fiber span length and negatively correlated to short fiber content. Number of neps was positively correlated to number of seed coats, and short and immature fiber content, and negatively correlated to mean fiber fineness and maturity ratio. The genetic potential for improving agronomic and fiber traits may exist in populations with this alternative leaf morphology, okra‐leaf type. Mass selection may be effective for improving most of the above traits (h 2 > 0.60). However, pedigree, sibs, and progeny tests need to be used to achieve higher genetic progress. Selection may be applied as early as the F 3 when selection units can be replicated. Thereafter, antagonistic trait correlations may become neutral or favorable in later generations, facilitating improvement of fiber quality.