Influence of G x E interaction on heterobeltiosis, combining ability and stability of multiple cross derivatives of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) amenable for HDPS

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in three different locations using 42 crosses derived by crossing six lines and seven testers in Line x Tester design to identify stable cotton genotypes amenable to a high-density planting system. The heterozygotes were found more stable due to individual buffering capacities over homozygotes. Strong association between heterobeltiosis and specific combining ability (sca) was shown by the hybrids MC 4-3 x MC 3-2, MC 4-3 x MC 22-2, MC 4-3 x NH 630, MC 5-1 x MC 11-1 and MC 5-1 x NH 630 while MC 17-6 x MC 17-1, MC 4-3 x MC 3-2, MC 16-3 x MC 17-2 had out yielded homozygous parents in poor environments and exhibited heterosis and sca effects in desirable direction for short compact characters.