Abstract
Genetic diversity was studied among 13 locally developed elite cotton genotypes and two exotic lines using metroglyph analysis. Different morphological, yield and yield contributing traits and intensity of cotton leaf curl virus disease were recorded. Index scores were allotted to each character of the fifteen cotton genotypes, which indicated the worth of the genotype regarding the character. The performance of genotypes was indicated by total index scores of genotype, which was the sum of the index values with regards to all the characters. Metroglyph scatter diagram indicated the possible occurrence of 6 groups of cotton genotypes. On the basis of this grouping it was concluded that hybridization between genotypes of different groups instead of between genotypes belonging to the same group may be expected to give better cotton recombinants for different economic traits and resistance/tolerance to cotton leaf curl virus disease. The genotypes FH-1000, CIM-443, NIBGE-3, NIBGE-115, NIBGE-160 and NIBGE-253 formed distinct groups and had better tolerance to CLCV. The information generated hence may be utilized for hybridization between distinct genotypes for the creation of genetic variability in cotton.