Estimation of genetic parameters in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under naturally ventilated polyhouse

Abstract

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance were studied in ten genotypes of cucumber for two consecutive seasons for yield and yield contributing traits. The study revealed the existence of considerable amount of genetic variability for all the traits in all the genotypes used in the experiment. The maximum phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation (PCV and GCV) was observed for node number to first female flower, number of primary branches per plant, average fruit weight and fruit yield. High estimates of heritability (broad sense) were observed for number of primary branches per plant, fruit yield, average fruit weight, main vine length, number of fruits per plant and internodal length while maximum genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for number of primary branches per plant, node number to first female flower, average fruit weight and fruit yield which indicates that these characters are governed by additive gene action and thus, direct selection for these traits can be preferred for further improvement in this crop.