Genetic analysis of some polygenic traits of Gossypium hirsutum L.

The word ¿cotton¿ refers to those species of the genus Gossypium i.e. hirsutum and barbadense which bear spinnable seed coat fibre. However, species hirsutum is major fibre yielding crop, which is grown in tropical and subtropical regions of more than 80 countries. Pakistan is predominantly an agricultural country, and thus the prosperity of the people depends largely upon the successful cultivation of crops such as wheat, cotton, rice, sugarcane and maize. Among other crops, cotton is of high national importance and it earns substantial amount of foreign exchange i.e. 65% for the country through the export of raw cotton, yarn and finished products. Besides being an exporting agricultural commudity, it also provides raw material to the local textile industry and employment to millions of people.