Study of heterosis for agronomic, yield and fiber quality traits in cotton under the irrigated condition of Middle Awash, Ethiopia

The present investigation was undertaken to study the extent of heterosis in respect of seed cotton and lint yield, fiber quality traits and other agronomic performances. Six cotton genotypes were crossed in all possible combinations including reciprocals. The resulting filial generation (F1 hybrids) seed of 30 crosses and 6 parents were planted in a simple lattice design with a perfect square of 6x6 replicated twice. Mean square due to genotypic differences were found significant for all the traits under study except for boll number per plant indicating the availability of substantial genetic diversity for different traits in the experimental materials. Among the hybrids intra specific G. hirsutum L. hybrid, HS-46 x Stonoville 453 19-8 X Stam 59A x Cucurova 1518 30-2 (B-1) exhibited considerable heterotic values for seed cotton and lint yield, and fiber length possibly suitable for local cottage and textile industries. The obtained results indicated the possibility of improving yield and fiber quality traits simultaneously using interspecific hybrids. Moreover, research on cotton breeding needs to address all possibilities including the exploitation of hybrid vigour to increase yield and fiber qualities of cotton production in Ethiopia.