Heterosis and combining ability in melon

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.