Heterosis in snakegourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.)

Abstract

The present investigation "Heterosis in snakegourd" was conducted at the College of Horticulture during 1988-1990. Assessment of genetic variability showed significant differences of 25 characters in 48 snakegourd genotypes. The highest phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for fruiting nodes on main vine, male flowers/plant, sex ratio and fruits/plant. The pcv was lowest for total crop duration. The gcv resulting in high heritability was high for majority of the characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic gain was noticed for male flowers/plant, sex ratio and fruiting nodes on main vine. The 48 genotypes were grouped into 10 clusters. The combing ability analysis revealed significant gca variances for all characters. The sca variances were also significant for all characters. The sca variances were also significant for all characters except for total crop duration, sex ratio and fruits/plant.