Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the genetic potential of seven egusi-melon genotypes for seed weight and its components following the diallel mating scheme. Seven parents were selected from among 28 genotypes obtained from indigenous farmers in five ecological zones (forest, derived savanna, southern, northern and Sudan savanna) of Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design with four replications. Specific combining ability variance was of greater importance than general combining ability variance in the inheritance of all the traits under study. Okwe-2-IM x KTGO-GMB was the best combiner for number of pods and pod weight per plant while KOGI-NITN x MOKWA-NG was the best combiner seed weight per plant. Positive and highly significant (P<0.01) heterosis was recorded among crosses for number of primary vines, number of pods and seed production efficiency per plant indicating their importance in hybrid development for improved yield.
Highlights
Egusi-melon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family (Schippers, 2000)
This may be due to the scanty information on the nature of gene action controlling the expression of yield and yield contributing traits in the crop
Information on the relative importance of the additive (GCA) and non-additive (SCA) gene action within a breeding population is important because it is used to determine as to which breeding procedure will effectively improve the performance of the trait of interest (Dudley and Moll, 1969)
Summary
Egusi-melon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family (Schippers, 2000). It is a variety of melon seed which is popularly called “egusi” in West Africa (Akpambang et al, 2008). In Nigeria limited attempt has been made for the genetic improvement of the crop This may be due to the scanty information on the nature of gene action controlling the expression of yield and yield contributing traits in the crop. Combining ability predicts performance of parents in cross combinations and helps in identifying the desirable parents as well as the crosses for crop improvement program It helps in getting idea about the nature of gene action for a particular trait (Nazzin Uddin et al, 2009). Hybrids due to their high yield potential are used for increasing the productivity of crops. Heterotic studies can provide the basis for the exploitation of valuable hybrid combinations
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