Abstract
Genetic variability and heritability were studied in 50 genotypes of snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.) to determine the magnitude of variability in the population and to identify genotypically diverse and economically desirable genotypes for utilization in crop improvement. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was found to be slightly higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation for all the characters under consideration, indicating that the apparent variation is not only genetic, but also due to influence of the growing environment in expression of the genotypes. The estimates of genotypic variance also showed considerable variation for majority of the characters. Higher values of phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were recorded for fruit length, fruit weight and number of fruits per plant while, moderate phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for yield, fruit girth and number of seeds per fruit indicating the extent of available genetic variability for these traits. High heritability along with high genetic advance observed for fruit length, fruit yield, fruit girth and number of fruits per plant is indicative of additive gene action in control of these traits and phenotypic selection based on these traits in the segregating population is likely to yield desired individuals. Key words: Snake gourd, genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability, genetic advance.
Highlights
Snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.) belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae is an important summer vegetable rich in minerals and fiber making the food wholesome and nutritious (Ahmed et al, 2000)
Higher values of phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were recorded for fruit length, fruit weight and number of fruits per plant while, moderate phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for yield, fruit girth and number of seeds per fruit indicating the extent of available genetic variability for these traits
High heritability along with high genetic advance observed for fruit length, fruit yield, fruit girth and number of fruits per plant is indicative of additive gene action in control of these traits and phenotypic selection based on these traits in the segregating population is likely to yield desired individuals
Summary
Snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.) belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae is an important summer vegetable rich in minerals and fiber making the food wholesome and nutritious (Ahmed et al, 2000). The assessment of variability present in any crop species is the essential pre-requite for formulating an effective breeding programme as the existing variability can be used to enhance the yield level of the cultivars following appropriate breeding strategies (Patil et al, 2012). The information on heritability alone may not help in identifying characters for enforcing selection and heritability estimates in conjunction with predicted genetic. Heritability gives the information on the magnitude of inheritance of characters from parent to off spring, while genetic advance will be helpful in finding the actual gain expected under selection. The present investigation aims at to assessing the variability by estimating phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation as well as heritability and genetic advance in snake gourd for future breeding programme
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