Vol. 12, Issue 2 (2023)

Author(s):
Annigeri SV, Dr. TR Shashidhar, Dr. RV Patil, Dr. Shripad Kulkarni and Dr. BR Patil

Abstract:
In order to evaluate the performance of thirty genotypes of sponge gourd for growth, yield and quality traits, the present investigation was laid under randomized block design (RBD) with two replications at Department of Horticulture, MARS, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (Karnataka) during Rabi season of 2020. Among the sponge gourd genotypes, genotype HUB-1 recorded highest vine length (5.09 m), days to last harvest (110.28), fruiting period (63.39), number of fruits per vine (18.00), fruit yield per vine (2.20 kg/plant), total fruit yield per hectare (13.55 t/ha) and fruit length (24.07 cm) and recorded desirable lowest values for days to first female flower appearance (38.84), node at which first female flower appeared (11.82), days to first male flower appearance (36.00), days to first harvest (46.90) and rind thickness (1.38 mm). HUB-8 recorded higher fruit set per cent (87.20%) and lower node at which first male flower appeared (5.53). Kashi Shreya recorded higher number of branches (5.30) and lower physiological loss in weight (21.62%). Among the thirty four genotypes, the genotypes HUB-1, HUB-8, Kashi Shreya, HUB-3 and KRCCH-1 were found promising for growth, yield attributes and quality traits. These genotypes could be utilized for further breeding programme and recommended to the farmers for commercial cultivation.