BREEDING VALUE OF A FUZZLESS-LINTLESS MUTANT IN GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L.

Abstract

A study was undertaken to assess the genetic worth of a fuzzless-lintless spontaneous mutant of varietyMCU5 of G. hirsutum..1twas crossed with other genotypes in line Xtester design and the combining ability effects were worked out. This mutant had significantly favourable gca effects for seed index, uniformity ratio and maturity of fibres, indicating that the natural muu.tion has not only affected the major gene for the presence of fuzz or lint, but also influenced other yield and fibre characters through pleiotropism. It will be ideal to combine this mutant separately with MCU 5, DS 28 and MCU 9 to get favourable recombinants for all the fibre traits besides lint yield. The hybrid Express Sindh (W) X fuzzless-lintless mutant appears to be best, combining all the traits studied, thus paving way for exploitation of heterosis in intra-hirsutum crosses.