Genetic diversity studies in snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.)

Abstract

Snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.) is an annual climber belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is important as a good sources of minerals, fiber and nutrients to make the food wholesome and healthy (Ahmed et al., 2000). A large number of local strains/ lines are cultivated in the country but there is hardly few recommended cultivar. No serious attempts have so far been made to improve the productivity and acceptability of this crop. In crop improvement programme, genetic diversity has been considered as an important factor which is also essential pre-requisite for hybridization programme for obtaining progenies with important desirable characters like disease resistance, earliness, quality or even performance of a particular character (Chowdhury et al., 1975).