Varietal evaluation of Ash gourd [Benincasa hispida (THUNB) Cogn.] in Gajapathi district

Abstract

The present investigation 15 genotypes of ash gourd for evaluating their performance different traits. The analysis of variance revealed that mean sum of squares due to genotypes were highly significant for all characters. Which revealed the existence of considerable variability in material studied for improvement for various characters. The highest yield was recorded in genotype Pusa Ujjwal (31.14 kg), followed by Raygada Local (24.5 kg), Kasi Surbhi (23.2 kg). The earliest flowering was recorded in Hiramandalam Local (60 days), Greenie (61 days), Dristhi (62.75 days). Maximum number of fruits vine-1 was recorded in Pusa Ujjwal (5.41), Dristhi (5.16), Raygada Local (4.33). Maximum fruit length was recorded in Mahima (43.16cm), Dristhi (41.05cm), Raygada Local (40.03cm). Maximum fruit width was recorded in Pusa Ujjwal (68.58cm), Mahima (66.91cm), Kasi Surbhi (65.72cm). Average fruit weight was recorded in Sunabeda Local (6.35 kg), Pusa Ujjwal (6.18 kg), Raygada Local (5.86 kg). Earliest harvesting was recorded in the genotype MAH-1 (119 days), Mahima (119.66), Greenie (121 days). The estimation of mean values revealed that no genotype was superior for all the characters.