Characterisation of cucumber genotypes through seed morphological characters

Abstract

The discrimination of crop varieties, especially by examination of the seed is increasingly important in order to protect the breeders and farmers rights. Several techniques could be used for varietal identification, but it is necessary to find simple, rapid and cost effective techniques for characterisation and identification. In present investigation an attempt has been made to identify some cucumber varieties through seed morphological characters. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with 3 replications in the year 2019 by taking 12 cucumber varieties which are cultivated in Odisha. Observations were recorded on seed length, breadth, thickness, L/B, L/T and B/T ratios and 100 seed weight. Cucumber genotypes showed significant differences in respect of seed length, breadth, thickness and 100 seed weight. Based on seed length, three genotypes were grouped into short length (9.705 – 10.622 mm); six genotypes as medium length (10.623 – 11.540 mm) and three genotypes as long length (> 11.540 mm). Based on seed breadth the genotypes were grouped as narrow width (4.193- 4.518 mm), medium width (4.519 - 4.844 mm) and wider width (> 4.844 mm). Based on seed thickness the genotypes were grouped as low (2.206 – 2.412 mm), medium and high (> 2.619 mm). Based on seven seed morphological characters Gower’s similarity coefficient was estimated and the dendrogram was constructed following UPGMA method. At 70% phenon level 12 cucumber genotypes were divided into three clusters.