Genetic variability studies in snake gourd genotypes (Trichosanthes anguina L.) for growth, yield and quality parameters

Abstract

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance were computed in 26 genotypes of snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.) to identify genotypes with notable genetic diversity and valuable economic traits for potential use in crop improvement. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for most of the traits suggesting that environmental factors had a considerable impact on the expression of the traits. The higher values of PCV and GCV were observed for the traits like node at first male flower appearance, total number of female flowers, total number of primary branches, fruit length, fruit width, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per plot, fruit yield per hectare, number of seeds per fruit, fruit colour, phenol content, calcium and magnesium content indicating higher level of variability in evaluated genotypes. High values of heritability coupled with higher genetic advance over per cent mean (GAM) were observed for most of the characters like, node at first male flower appearance, node at female flower appearance, total number of female flowers, days to first male flower opening, days to first female flower opening, days to first fruit setting, days to first harvest first, fruit length, fruit width, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per plot, fruit yield per hectare, number of seeds per fruit, fruit texture, fruit colour (L*,a*,b*), flesh colour (L*,a*,b*), total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, phenol content, calcium and magnesium contents of the fruits. These traits were governed by additive gene action, suggesting that direct selection can be applied to improve snake gourd for the traits mentioned above.