Interspecific Hybridization between Gossypium hirsutum (American Cotton) and Gossypium barbadense (Egyptian Cotton) for Quality Improvement

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is a globally important cash crop, valued for its fiber and economic contributions to the textile industry. This study investigated the variability, heritability, and genetic advance of yield-related traits in interspecific hybrids of American (G. hirsutum) and Egyptian (G. barbadense) cotton. Using a randomized complete block design, 28 hybrids were evaluated for traits such as seed cotton yield, plant height, bolls per plant, and boll weight. Significant genetic variability was observed among hybrids, with high heritability estimates for seed cotton yield (96.84%), plant height (93.51%), and bolls per plant (76.44%), coupled with moderate genetic advance, suggesting additive gene action. Regression analysis revealed that the number of bolls emasculated and pollinated significantly influenced total seed production, with coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.5924 and 0.5102, respectively. The hybrid JA-08/A × JA-12/203 demonstrated superior crossability (100%) and seed production, making it a promising candidate for breeding programs. These findings emphasize the potential for exploiting genetic variability and hybrid vigor to develop high-yielding and high-quality cotton varieties.