During the three successive seasons of 2002, 2003, and 2004 six populations,
viz.,P1,P2,F1,F2,BC1, and BC2 of two single crosses of cotton (Aleppo40 x
Aleppo90) and (Aleppo33/1 x Line118) were established and evaluated to
explore heterosis, inbree
ding depression, heritability and genetic advance
under selection for reproductive branches number, number of bolls per plant,
boll weight, and ginning percentage. Significant positive heterotic effects were
found for all the studied traits in two crosses except ginning percentage (in the
second cross). Significant positive heterosis over mid-parent and higher parent
for yield components (number of bolls per plant and boll weight) may lead to a
positive heterosis for seed cotton yield/plant.
