Objective By analyzing the main agronomic traits and yield factors of cotton varieties in Xinjiang, as well as the adaptability in the cotton area of Northern Xinjiang, the purpose was to provide reference for early maturing cotton breeding in Northern Xinjiang.

Methods The main agronomic traits, quality traits and yield factors of 18 conventional varieties were analyzed, and the yield and stability of cotton were comprehensively analyzed by GEE biplot.

Results Joint variance analysis and difference analysis of each cotton variety showed that the agronomic traits of each variety were extremely significant, indicating that the differences between varieties were significant and suitable for adaptability analysis. The analysis of the quality traits of each variety showed that the three indexes of QXA08 reached the standard of high quality cotton type I according to the performance of length, specific strength and micronaire value. The results of yield factor analysis showed that the highest seed cotton yield was QXA13, and the highest lint yield was QXA17. The comprehensive analysis of yield stability and high yield showed that the goodness index of QXA17 was less than 1, which was the most ideal variety.

Conclusion The breeding of early-maturing cotton in Northern Xinjiang has better control of growth period and greater selection of single boll weight, lint percentage and lint yield. In the future breeding, QXA17 variety can be used as the parent material to improve the breeding potential of cotton.