Heterosis for growth, yield and quality traits in Ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.]

Abstract

The present study was carried out to estimate heterosis for growth, yield and quality traits in ridge gourd. A total of thirty F₁ hybrids were developed using a line × tester mating design. These hybrids, along with ten lines and three testers, were evaluated in a randomized block design with two replications at the Department of VSC, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, during summer 2025. The mean values of F₁ hybrids over two replications were used to estimate heterosis. The hybrid Hireharukuni Local × Arka Sumeet recorded the highest standard heterosis for fruit yield per vine (57.96% over commercial check-1 (Arka Vikram) and 57.27% over commercial check-2 (Naga F1) and was identified as the best hybrid, excelling in number of fruits per vine and fruit length. Hireharukuni Local × Arka Prasan ranked second with 52.21% and 51.54% heterosis over the checks, while IC92700 × Arka Sumeet was third, showing 46.02% and 45.67% heterosis and notable superiority for earliness and average fruit weight.