Abstract

1Merdasa Balcha, 2Wassu Mohammedand and Zerihun Desalegn

Thirty six genotypes were evaluated for seventeen traits in 2017 at Werer Agricultural Research Center. The experiment was laid out in 6 x 6 simple lattice design. Results of analysis of variance showed the presence of significant differences among genotypes for all traits except stand count and uniformity index. Mean squares of lines for general combining ability was significant for all traits, while specific combining ability was significant for days to initial boll opening, number of bolls per plant, seed cotton yield, lint yield and fiber strength. Line 10 and L16 exhibited positive and significant maximum GCA effects for seed cotton yield and lint yield, while L1 and L2 had positive and significant GCA effects for fiber length, fiber strength and fiber elongation. Hybrids L4 x T2, L13 x T1 and L9 x T2 were identified as good specific combinations for seed cotton yield, lint yield and ginning percentage. High heritability in broad-sense were exhibited for almost traits. Generally, selection high performing lines for lint yield and related traits followed by crossing with testers is possible to obtain commercial cotton hybrids.