ABSTRACT

Six cultivars of Gossypium hirsutum were chosen for differences in fiber quality. Yield components were measured for seed index, grams per boll, lint percent, and seeds per boll. Yield components were calculated for lint per seed, fibers per seed, and fiber density. Estimations for seed surface area were taken from Hodson (1920). Fiber quality parameters included length, strength, and micronaire. The object of this study was to determine the relationships among yield components within the boll and fiber quality parameters.

The quality parameter length was positively correlated with lint percent, grams per boll, lint per seed, and surface area of seed. Length was negatively correlated with fibers per seed and fiber density.

The associations of strength versus lint percent, grams per boll, seeds per boll, and lint per seed were not significant. Strength was negatively correlated with fibers per seed and fiber density, indicating that selection for strength will decrease the number of fibers per seed which may lower yield.

Micronaire was positively correlated with lint percent and lint per seed. A negative correlation between micronaire and fibers per seed and micronaire and fiber density suggest that selection for lower micronaire may actually increase the number of fibers produced.

Fiber quality parameters, especially strength, have a negative association with fibers per seed. Therefore, selection for increased yield may have a negative impact on fiber quality.