Vol. 12, Issue 4 (2023)

Author(s):
RM Samrit, Dr. GB Kabre and SA Pawar

Abstract:
The experimental material comprised 28 F₁ crosses, developed by crossing 8 genotypes and one standard check during summer 2020 and kharif 2020. Parents and the 28 hybrids, along with standard check, were planted in a randomized block design for screening against different fruit fly under natural field conditions. The crosses combination 3 x 7, 2 x 7, 4 x 7 and 6 x 7 exhibited maximum negative heterosis over standard check for fruit fly infestation, days to 50 per cent flowering and days to first harvest. Therefore, these parents and hybrid combinations can be utilized for the development of hybrids/varieties having resistance to these biotic stresses in bitter gourd. Further, gene action revealed predominant role of non-additive gene action for the control of different insect infestation under study, hence heterosis breeding can be exploited commercially for insect resistant hybrid development in bitter gourd.