Assessment of genetic variability of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) gene pool of Tamil Nadu through principal component analysis

Abstract

Thirty cucumber genotypes collected across Tamil Nadu state were subjected to genetic variance and Principle Component Analysis. Wide variability was observed for the characters vine length (132-191 cm), fruit weight (114-242 g) and number of fruits per plant (4-15 nos.). In the PCA, the total variations were resolved with 14 axis and the first three component axis explained 75 percent variability. PC1 showed 55.55 per cent variability with Eigen value of 7.77 and PC2 and PC3 had Eigen value of 1.38 and 1.19 and exhibited 9.88 and 8.57% of total variation respectively. The traits marketable fruit yield per plant (Loading:0.319) number of fruits per plant (0.296), number of primary branches per plant (0.275), fruit weight, and ascorbic acid (0.285) had manifested high positive loadings. Selection and/or choosing the parents for hybridization based on variability in the aforesaid traits in cucumber will be rewarding for increasing yield. The local cultivars collected from Amaravathi, Aipatti, Orathanadu, Koradacherry, Vennamuthupatti and Periyakollapatti have contributed much for the variance of the traits studied.