Effect of cytoplasmic genetic male sterility on combining ability and genetic control of quantitative characters in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract

India is a pioneer in commercial exploitation of heterosis in cotton. Many hybrids have been released for general cultivation in the country. The seed of these hybrids is produced through hand emasculation and pollination. The CMS system developed by Meyer [1) has been used to develop cytoplasmic male sterile lines throughout the world. Most of hybrid breeding programmes involve the identification of promising hybrid combinations and convert them into CMS based hybrids to reduce cost of hybrid seed production. However, information is required about possible effect of male sterile cytoplasm on combing ability and genetic control of quantitative characters. The present investigation, therefore, was undertaken to study the effect of cytoplasm conferring male sterility on combining ability and genetic control of quantitative characters in cotton.