The purpose of this work was to study the relations between technological properties (independent variables) and the lint yield of cotton (dependent variable). The technological properties analyze were: micronaire, strength, length, uniformity of length, elongation and index of thread spinning. Twelve cotton cultivars were evaluated, in Mato Grosso State, during the 2000/2001 crop season. Correlations and other parameters for path analysis were estimated, according to Wright. The trait micronaire showed the highest direct effect on lint yield; in addition, strength, length and elongation were secondary effects. The uniformity of length and the spinning inder showed indirect effect on micronaire. A restricted selection is necessary to eliminate the negative indirect effect of the spinning index on micronaire.
Gossypium hirsutum; selection; micronaire
