Genetic variability and heritability for quantitative characters in bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.) for rainfed system

Abstract

The study was carried out on twenty genotypes of bottle gourd collected from diversified areas of the country  assessed under rainfed condition for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in respect of 16 quantitative  characters. The genotype LS-6 recorded the highest fruit yield per plant, highest no of fruits per plant lowest sex ratio and  highest fruit set percent, followed by LS-20. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation for different characters  ranged from 6.270-34.045 and 3.749-30.732 respectively. The highest PCV and GCV were observed for fruit yield per  plant, fruit length, no. of fruits per plant and sex ratio indicating the extent of variability based in these characters. High  heritabilty coupled with higher genetic gain was observed for no. of seed per fruit, fruit length, no. of fruits per plant and  yield per plant indicating the additive gene action. Days to first fruit harvest showed moderate to low heritability with low  genetic gain expressed non -additive gene action governing these characters.