Vol. 12, Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
K Venkat Ramana, M Ravindra Babu, P Ashok, E Padma and M Paratpara Rao

Abstract:
The level of genetic diversity was assessed using various parameters such as the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability, and the genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. This evaluation was conducted in the F₂ generation of two different crosses involving ridge gourd lines: IC-523886 × IC-523882, IC-523886 × IC-539714 during rabi, 2023 at the Horticultural Research Station located located in venkataramannagudem. Remarkable variability was detected in the high estimates of PCV and GCV across a range of attributes, such as the number of fruits per plant, fruit set percentage, fruit length, fruit weight, ascorbic acid content, the node number at which the first female flower appears, the node number at which the first male flower appears, fruit yield per vine, and fiber content. This indicates a substantial potential for selective breeding due to the wide variation observed in these characteristics. Furthermore, high heritability, along with a significant genetic advance as a percentage of the mean, was observed for all the traits except for internodal length, days to appearance of first male flower, days to first fruit harvest, fruit set percentage.. This suggests the presence of additive gene action and indicates that selection for these traits can be effective, as they are less susceptible to environmental influences.