Combining ability studies in desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.) genotypes

Abstract Background Studies on genetic variation and combining ability are essential tools to employ the suitable breeding programme, particularly for hybrid production, to exploit the heterosis in cross-pollinated crops like cotton. Thus, combining ability studies in desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.) was carried out using 13 diverse parents through diallel mating design, evaluating 78 F1 hybrids along with their parents, without reciprocals using Griffing’s and Hayman’s approaches. Results Genotypes H 509, AC 3265, AKH 496, and PBN 565 exhibited superior per se performance, indicating their potential use as parents in future breeding programs to develop superior hybrids. The general combining ability (GCA) effect of the genotypes revealed that AC 3097 and AKA 13-SP1 were good general combiners for most traits in this study. Genotypes PBS 1127-SP1, AKH 496, H 509, N11-54–31-32, and AKA 13-SP1 exhibited strong combining ability, contributing to a significant specific combining ability (SCA) effect in seven selected crosses (AC 3265 × PBS 1127-SP1, AKH 496 × H 509, AKH 496 × AC 3097, PBS 1127-SP1 × N11-54–31-32, AC 3216 × AKA 13-SP1, H 503 × N11-54–31-32, and H 509 × AKA 13-SP1) for yield improvement. These crosses showed positive heterosis in a positive direction. Conclusion From the present study, five genotypes (AC 3097, AKA 13-SP1, N11-54–31-32, AC 3265, and H 509) were identified as good general combiners for producing hybrids, and seven combinations showed a promising hybrid for future breeding programs.