| dc.description.abstract | A dichotomy exists in the different aspects of cotton production and utilization. Lint yield is the most important factor for producers aiming to maximize profit while spinning mills are more concerned with the fiber quality characteristics at a good value. Simultaneously improving yield and fiber quality is essential to meet the demands of cotton producers and the textile industry; this remains difficult for cotton breeders due to the negative association between yield and fiber quality commonly observed. It has been shown that it is possible to break the negative associations and improve both yield and fiber quality traits. Determination of the precise relationship between these traits is important to understand for further breeding advancement. Four F3 populations of upland cotton were grown and individual plants were harvested. The top 25 percent of plants were selected for three selection criteria, lint percent, fiber length and fiber strength, as well as an unselected control population. These selected populations were grown in randomized complete block designs in a dryland and irrigated environment. Yield and fiber quality data were collected and analyzed to ascertain relationships between traits when direct selection is applied. Significant differences in lint percent, fiber length, and fiber strength were observed mostly within the genotype and selection criteria. There was no difference observed in yield among the populations. | en |
