Study of Four Cucumber Germplasm Genotypes, Grown in Qatar and the Indian Agro-climatic Zone, Based on Its Phenotypic Traits

Abstract

This study included four genotypes of cucumber (IC257296, IC420405, GYNE-5, PUSA SANYOG) which were evaluated based on phenotypic traits when grown under two different soil zones of Doha (Qatar) and Meerut (India). Statistical analysis to estimate various genetic parameters like phenotypic and genotypic variance, phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation (PCV and GCV), broad sense heritability and genetic gain and principal component analysis (PCA) of genotypes was done in order to assess the magnitude of variability for various agro-metrical characters. In Indian soil zone, highest yield was observed in GYNE-5, while, in Qatar soil zone, highest yield was observed in PUSA SANYOG. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than its corresponding genotypic counterpart (GCV) for all characters studied. High broad-sense heritability was associated with all the traits in both zones except fruit length. Days to edible maturity, fruit length and fruit width showed low genetic gain in qatar zone; hence, heterosis breeding would be recommended. Principal component analysis involved vine length and days to edible maturity as the most discriminating trait that accounted for greater variability in cucumber in qatar zone, and it should be considered in cucumber improvement programs. Correlation analysis represent that yield was positively correlated with fruit length and fruit width, while, fruit per plant showed positive significant correlation with vine length. Present findings suggest that PUSA SANYOG may be cultivated in other areas with similar climatic conditions. This study will help to improve the protected agriculture model of Qatar and revenue generation for the farmers.