Heterosis for morphological and yield traits in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Abstract

In present experiment 36 F1 hybrids of bitter gourd were
studied to investigate the extent of heterosis for yield and
its contributing traits. For yield per vine significant estimates
of heterosis in positive direction were recorded in 25 hybrids
over the mid parent, ranged from 18.01% (L10 × T2) to 112.92%
(L9 × T1) and in 12 hybrids over the better parent varied from
10.73% (L1 × T1) to 64.10% (L9 × T1). The estimates of
significant economic heterosis in positive direction against
the best check “Charles” were found in 6 hybrids viz., L9 ×
T1, L9 × T3, L8 × T1, L5 × T1, L11 × T1 and L4 × T1 across the
environments, having the range varied from 17.45% (L4 ×
T1) to 48.82% (L9 × T1). These best performing F1 hybrids
may be exploited for commercial cultivation.