Quantification of Diverse Local Germplasm of Pumpkin Through Genetic Variability Components in Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Center, Department of Horticulture, H.N.B Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand, India, during summer season 2019, to study “Quantification of diverse local germplasm of Pumpkin through genetic variability components in Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand”. Experimental material for the study consisted of 25 genotypes. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The genotypes have been collected from different regions of Uttarakhand and other parts of India. Observations were recorded on 23 economic traits. Each of the traits under study, genetic variability analysis revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were nearly identical. Highest coefficient of variability both at phenotypic and genotypic level was observed for yield per vine (50.48% and 50.33%) and lowest for days to 1st fruit harvest (5.49% and 5.49%). Maximum heritability was found in number of seeds per fruit (100%) and moderate was found for number of ridges per fruit (40.10%). Highest genetic advance was observed for number of seeds per fruit (79.26) and lowest for rind thickness (0.15mm). In terms of percentages above the mean, vine length, number of primary branches/vine, number of nodes upto first male flower and female flower, number of fruits / vine, percent of fruits setting, average fruit weight and yield/vine all demonstrated high genetic advance. In order to continue crop development programs for pumpkin in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand, factors like vine length, percent of fruit setting, average fruit weight, and yield per vine could be taken into consideration through selection.