Genetic variability for growth, yield and quality traits in bitter gourd

Abstract

The present study was conducted to determine genetic variability, broad sense heritability and genetic advance inthirty six diverse genotypes of bitter gourd. The differences observed between genotypes were highly significant for all the characters studied. Moisture content had lowest coefficient of variation (2.7) followed by anthesis of first female flower (8.4) and anthesis of first male flower (10.5); whereas, it was highest for fruit cavity (24.1). High estimates of PCV and GCV were found for total carotene content
followed by yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for fruit number, anthesis of first male flower and vitamin C may be attributed to additive gene effects and could be improved through selection.