Evaluation of Fiber Quality and Quantitative Traits in Advance Cotton Genotypes

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) serves as a vital cash crop, providing essential fiber for the global textile industry. The genetic improvement of cotton relies heavily on the evaluation of yield and fiber quality traits in advanced breeding material. This study was conducted to assess the performance of various upland cotton genotypes for key agronomic and fiber characteristics. The experiment evaluated multiple advance genotypes alongside a standard check (NIA-Ufaq) for traits including plant height, sympodial branches, boll weight, seed index, lint weight, ginning out-turn, micronaire value, and seed cotton yield. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (P<0.01) among genotypes for plant height, sympodial branches, bolls per plant, staple length, lint weight, ginning out-turn, and seed cotton yield, indicating substantial genetic variability. Seed index showed significant differences at P<0.05. Mean performance analysis identified PC-2160 (FH-498) as a promising genotype, characterized by short stature (105.56 cm), maximum boll weight (3.74 g), greater lint weight (22.86 g), and superior micronaire value (3.94). Genotype PC-2150 (SAHARA-500) excelled in sympodial branches (23.89 plant⁻¹). Notably, PC-2155 (CIM-600) and PC-2150 (SAHARA-500) produced high seed cotton yields (155.34 g and 146.84 g, respectively). The findings suggest that genotypes PC-2160 (FH-498) and PC-2150 (SAHARA-500) possess a favorable combination of short stature, enhanced boll characteristics, and superior fiber traits, making them valuable genetic resources for future cotton breeding programs aimed at varietal improvement.