The working group of G. hirsutum germplasm accessions was characterized for Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability testing. Subsequent analysis of data was done to study the genetic diversity available among the accessions using principal component and clustering of 320 cotton germplasm. Under field and laboratory, 26 qualitative traits and 14 quantitative traits were recorded. There is no variation observed for gossypol glands, anther filament colour, male sterility, boll bearing habit and boll opening. Higher coefficient of variation was recorded for vigour index, seed cotton yield/row, germination percentage, seed cotton yield/plant and fibre strength. In the Pearson’s correlation, the number of bolls per plant, number of sympodia, seed cotton yield per row, fibre elongation showed positive significant correlation with seed cotton yield per plant. These traits can be directly used as selection criteria for yield improvement in cotton. In the principal component analysis, five principal components (PCs) extracted had Eigenvalue >1 and contributed of variations among the cotton germplasm. The clustering using UPGMA showed 12 distinct clusters. Based on these, an accession of a particular group or clusters may be selected for exploitation of its yield potential and fibre quality. | Agro-morphological characterization and genetic diversity analysis of cotton germplasm (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
