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Breeding investigation was taken up to evolve and assess hybrids for high density planting in Bt cotton through Line X Tester mating design involving parents with diverse plant architecture. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates was adopted to ascertain the performance of hybrids under conventional density (CDP) and high density planting (HDP) in the year 2015-16. Analaysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differances among the genotypes, which includes nine parents and 20 test crosses for maturity, plant architecture, yield and yield attributing traits under both planting densities. Ideal ideotype of hybrid for high density planting (HDP) found to be of open to semi open plant architecture with determinant growth habit. Considering the parental status of most promising hybrid combinations, it is quite evident that to evolve most suitable hydrids for high density planting (HDP) at least one of the parents must be of open plant type with determinant plant growth habit, whereas second parent can be of varied plant type and growth pattern provided there is nice complementation with the first parent. Test cross combinations SC1104 X 1205, SC1134 X 1205 and SC1112 X 1205 have been identified as most suitable for high density planting (HDP).

Key words: Line X Tester, Bt cotton, Ideotype, Plant architecture, High density planting