Exploiting hybrid vigour: An assessment of Heterosis in snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina var. anguina L.)

Abstract

Snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina var. anguina L.) is a diploid, monoecious annual woody climber popularly known as Snake tomato or long tomato belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. The crop has significant levels of minerals (0.5%), fibre (0.5%), protein (0.5%), fat (0.3%) and carbohydrates (3.3%). Considering the economic significance and medicinal potential of the crop, the present investigation was carried out employing seven lines and two testers to develop 14 hybrids through a Line × Tester mating design. The hybrids Tenali Local × PKM 1, Siddapur Local × PKM 1 and Raikur Local × PKM 1 possessed significantly high standard heterosis, corresponding for earliness, yield and quality parameters resulting as superior hybrids. On the basis of its yield potential and earliness characters, the hybrid Tenali Local × PKM 1 outperformed all other hybrids with a yield of 7.64 kg/plant, the hybrid showed 94.78% standard heterosis over commercial check. The hybrid Tenali Local × CO-2 manifested superior quality parameters like ascorbic acid, fruit protein content and fruit carbohydrate content, which further can be used in breeding programme.