Genetic diversity analysis for quantitative traits in hermaphrodite ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb.) L.]

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path analysis in hermaphrodite ridge gourd for eight quantitative characters. The fruit length had the highest heritability (93.5%) followed by node at which first hermaphrodite flower appeared (78.0%). This trait provides ample scope for varietal improvement through selection. Significant positive correlation was found between fruit yield per plant and fruit weight (0.877), number of fruits per cluster (0.590) and fruit length (0.356) at phenotypic level. Significantly negative and desirable correlation at phenotypic level was observed between fruit yield per plant and days to first fruit harvest (-0.403), days to first hermaphrodite flower (-0.337) and node at which first hermaphrodite flower appeared (-0.315). The maximum direct and desirable effect on fruit yield per plant was exerted by fruit length (0.850), number of fruits (0.334), days to first fruit harvest (-0.019) and node at which first hermaphrodite flower appeared (-0.057) at phenotypic level.