Abstract:
The current research programme on 'Heterosis and combining ability in
melon (Cucumis melo (L.) var. conomon) was carried at the Department of
Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, VeIl ay ani during 1998-
2000. The objectives were estimation of various genetic parameters, heterosis
and combining ability effects of parents and hybrids. The experimental
material consisted of seven parents and their 21 F 1 hybrids (without
reciprocals).
Analysis of variance revealed highly significant difference among the
genotypes for all the 21 characters studied. The genotype P3 topped in mean
performance for yield and many yield attributes. The hybrids P2 x P6 and P2 x
P3 were superior in yield and fruit characters, whereas P6 x P7 was the best for
keeping quality, yield and crop duration.
Genetic parameters like PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance
were high for keeping quality, yield, sex ratio and mean fruit weight.
Environmental component of variation was negligible for majority of traits.
Significant heterosis was observed for all the characters studied.
P3 x P 4 showed maximum standard heterosis for yield whereas, P2 x P 6 showed
maximum relative heterosis and fruit characters and earliness traits.
Variance due to GCA and SCA were significant for all the traits studied.
P3 was the best general combiner for yield, fruit diameter, mean fruit weight
and fruit length and P2 was the best for node characters and crop duration.
The hybrid P6 x P7 was the best specific combiner for yield.
Combining the mean performance, SCA effects and standard heterosis,
P2 x P6 was identified as the superior cross in terms of yield and yield
attributes whereas P 4 x Ps was the best for various flowering traits.
