Abstract:
Genetic variability and heri lability parameters were studied in48snakegourd accessions.
The genotypic coefficient of variation was high for f r u i t i ng nodes on main vine, male flowers/plant,
sex ratio, fruits/plant and crude fibre content. The heritabilily was high for total duration of the
crop and crude protein content of the f r u i t . Male flowers/plant, sex ratio, fruiting nodes on main
vine and fruits/plant exhibited high heritability and high genetic gain indicating additive gene
action. Yield/plant, fruit length, total crop duration, days to first harvest and days to first male
flower anthesis exhibited high heritability and low genetic gain which indicate nonadditive gene
action including epistasis and dominance pointing towards heterosis breeding for high yields and
earliness.
