EVALUATION OF GENETIC DIVERSITY FOR COTTON LEAF CURL VIRUS (CLCUV), YIELD, GOT% AND FIBER TRAITS IN EXOTIC GERMPLASM OF GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L.

Abstract

For the exploration of genetic diversity, 151 exotic cotton germplasm were evaluated for CLCuV, yield and fiber traits at the environmental conditions of central zone of Sakrand, Sindh. Basic statistical parameters, correlation and principal components were employed to explore the potential source for the utilization in breeding program to maintain the desired traits and develop CLCuV resistant/tolerant line. The significant positive association was observed among traits. Seed cotton yield was related positively significantly with traits sympodial branches, bolls plant-1 , boll weight, ginning outturn, staple length and uniformity index. Whereas the negative correlation was observed with number of monopodial branches, plant height, seed index, micronaire value and seed index. Principal components were employed to assess the genetic variability. Out of 13 PCs 5 components exhibited >1 Eigen value, which shows 67.5% variability, whereas the remaining 32.5% variability contributed by further 8 components. The PC1 contributed highest genetic variability (22.2%) followed by PC2 (14.8%), PC3 (12.5%), PC4 (9.2%) and PC5 (8.8%), respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA) authenticated the amount of variability among traits and the material which may be tested exploited in breeding program to maintain the desirable traits, CLCuV resistant/tolerant, yield, its components, GOT and fiber quality traits. For yield, its components, GOT, fiber traits and cotton leaf curl virus USG2554, USG2570, USG2807, USG2810, USG2813, USG2833 and USG2848 can be utilized in breeding program to maintain the desirable traits.