Study on Intra-Cultivar Variation and Genetic Advances of Pedigree-Mass Selection in Latif Cotton Cultivar (Gossypium Hirsutum L.)

In order to study of intra-cultivar variation and genetic gain of yield, yield components and fiber quality traits of cotton (cv. Latif) an experiment was conducted for three years (2015-2017) at Hashemabad cotton research station in Gorgan, Iran. Selection was performed by Pedigree- mass method and selected individual plants were grown in single row plot during experimental years. Analysis of data revealed significant difference between the three populations derived from selection during experimental years by the years. The highest coefficient of variation (CV) estimated for yield (23.8), seed weight (10.7), boll weight, lint percentage and fiber strength (8-8.6), respectively, which confirmed intra-cultivar variation. Boll weight, grain weight and lint weight had the highest heritability and genetic advance. Boll number and seed weight have identified as the most effective components and selection index for yield improvement. Correlation values revealed that micronair index positively correlated with lint percentage (r = 0.40 **) and negatively correlated with seed weight, which indicates importance of them as selection criteria for latif cultivar improvement. We conclude the short term improvements may be achieved through indirect selection for yield and lint percentage. Future efforts should be placed in increasing earliness and fiber strength rates.