Estimation of heterosis for earliness and yield component traits in ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.]

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate heterosis for earliness and yield component traits in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.) using line × tester mating design. About 24 hybrids were developed by crossing eight lines with three testers and evaluated along with their 11 parents in a randomized block design with three replications during the Kharif 2025 season at Junagadh Agricultural University. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability for the traits studied. For fruit yield per vine, standard heterosis over the check variety Pusa Nasdar ranged from -16.24 to 17.83%, with the hybrid JRG-16-6 × GRG-2 exhibiting the highest positive standard heterosis (17.83%). Among the earliness traits, JRG-16-5 × Pusa Nasdar recorded the highest desirable standard heterosis for days to 50% flowering (-12.20%), days to appearance first female flower (-12.38%), and days to first picking (-16.98%). The hybrid JRG-20-5 × GRG-2 showed superior performance for days to first male flower appearance (-9.56%) and main vine length (31.67%). The results identified promising hybrid combinations with desirable heterosis for earliness and yield-related traits, which may be utilized in ridge gourd breeding programmes for the development of high-yielding and early-maturing hybrids.