Genetic studies in F5 generation of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L. Roxb.)

The research conducted at AICRP on vegetable crops, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri during 2022-2023 studied on genetic studies in the F 5 generation of ridge gourd ( Luffa acutangula L. Roxb.) with the aim of developing a superior and high-quality inbred line. The study employed a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications, using five parents and their respective progenies derived from the cross (Arka Sumeet x Konkan Harita). The findings indicated moderate genetic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), combined with high heritability and notable genetic advance as a percentage of the mean for specific traits in the F 5 generation. These traits encompassed the number of branches per vine, the node of first appearance of female and male flowers, the number of harvests, fruit diameter, fruit yield per vine, fruit yield per plot and fruit yield per hectare. On the contrary, characteristics like vine length, days to initial female and male flower appearance, days to 50% flowering, sex ratio, days to initial and final harvest, fruit length, fruit weight and number of fruits per vine displayed high heritability but showed moderate to low genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. Correlation analysis revealed a significant and positive association between fruit yield per vine and various growth-related characteristics, including vine length, number of branches per vine, number of harvests, days to final harvest, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, number of fruits per vine, fruit yield per vine and fruit yield per plot. Conversely, a notable and negative correlation was observed between fruit yield per vine and several reproductive traits, such as days to initial appearance of female and male flowers, node number at which the first female and male flowers appeared, duration until 50% flowering, sex ratio and days until the initial harvest.