To study the extent of variability, heritability and genetic advance for fruit yield and its components in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Abstract

Twenty five cucumber genotypes were evaluated during Summer season of 2016at the Horticultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. The objective was to study the extent of variability, heritability and genetic advance for fruit yield and its components in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The magnitude of PCV was found to be higher than the GCV for most of the traits and the difference was much wider for node at which first male flower appear (18.52 and 9.38) indicating that this character is highly influenced by environment effect. High level of genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for average fruit weight (24.75), node at which first female flower appear (21.81). Further high heritability coupled with high genetic gain was noted for these traits. These results show the presence of sufficient variability in the germplasm, predominance of additive gene action and high transmissibility of the characters. Therefore, direct selection will be rewarding depending upon the traits. High heritability and moderate genetic advance as percent of mean values observed for the traits like days to 50% germination, days to first male flower appearance, node at which first male flower appear and days at 50% male flower. This indicates the influence of non-additive gene action and considerable influence of environment on the expression of these traits. These traits could be exploited through manifestation of dominance and epistatic components through heterosis.