Characterization of gynoecious-parthenocarpic and monoecious cucumber lines (Cucumis sativus L.) and regression modelling to obtain high yielding and functionally rich genotypes

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) is a tropical vegetable crop of high economic importance. Cucumber is not only used as food but also the source of several antioxidant nutrients like β carotene and ascorbic acid. The present study was aimed to characterize gynoecious-parthenocarpic and monoecious cucumber lines along with their hybrids for qualitative, quantitative and quality parameters and regression modelling to predict the most sensitive characters influencing yield and nutrient contents (β carotene and ascorbic acid). Characterization revealed conspicuous variation in different qualitative and quantitative characters among the parental lines and hybrids. The gynoecious and parthenocarpic parent Pusa Parthenocarpic produced elongated fruits with acute shaped blossom and peduncle ends while, the other two monoecious and non-parthenocarpic parents, Devgiri and Seven Star produced cylindrical fruit with obtuse ends. All the monoecious × gynoecious hybrids expressed predominantly gynoecious sex form and late parthenocarpy. The monoecious parent recorded higher yield as compared to the gynoecious parent. Acute fruit shape at peduncle end was the sole qualitative character which positively influenced the ascorbic acid content of fruit. Regression modelling revealed fruit length, crispy fruit texture and total chlorophyll content to be most influential towards yield in a positive direction. This study confirmed the strategy of combining qualitative and quantitative characters to enhance yield and nutrient content which can be utilized to develop high yielding and functionally rich cucumber genotypes.