Inter-and intrageneration associations for agronomic traits in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Estimating the performance of late-generation populations in early generations increases breeding achievement but reduces effort. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the extent to which the genetic potentials of the character are transmitted to the next generations through intergenerational correlation. Simple Pearson correlations between traits studied both within and between generations in F3, F4, and F5 multiparental cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) hybrids were evaluated. Thirteen different hybrid combinations were arranged in a split-plot design in 2022 for the F3 and F4 generations and in 2023 for the F4 and F5 generations. Basic statistics for generations indicated a decrease in minimum, maximum and mean values from F3 to F5 for all traits except fiber fineness. Intergenerational correlations were calculated between F3 and F4, and F4 and F5. Significant intergenerational correlations were positive for fiber length, fiber strength and seed index and negative for plant height in both F3:4 and F4:5. Significant and positive correlations were recorded for seed cotton yield, ginning out-turn and fiber fineness only in F4:5. It was concluded that many of the F4 populations with desirable values also performed well in the F5 generation. Intrageneration correlations indicated that increasing boll number and boll weight for high yield and decreasing seed index for high ginning yield can be effective for selection.