Combining ability and heteros is analysis for quantitative characters in pumpkin cucurbita moschata l through l t Method

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted at the HRC, of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (UP), India. Comprising 10 lines and 4 testers to develop 40 F1s during summer season 2022-23, and all the 40 F1s along with 14 parents were evaluated in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications during summer season 2023-24. Analysis of variance has showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters. The high value of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was recorded for the characters viz., vine length, number of primary branches, number of male flowers per vine, number of female flowers per vine, sex ratio, fruit weight, fruit flesh thickness, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit, 100 seed weight and fruit yield per plant. However, remaining characters showed moderate PCV. Similarly, high value of genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) was recorded for the characters like vine length, number of primary branches, number of male flowers per vine, number of female flowers per vine, sex ratio, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit, 100 seed weight and fruit yield per plant whereas remaining characters showed moderate GCV except TSS and days to first fruit harvest which exhibited low GCV. Several traits exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as % of mean for breeding programme indicating the predominance of additive gene action and found more potential for effective selection. For these traits include primary branches, male flowers per vine, female flowers per vine, number of seeds per fruit and fruit yield per plant suggesting these characters could also be taken into consideration for improvement Programme in pumpkin by simple selection. Analysis of variance among lines, testers, lines vs testers and crosses with respect to GCA and SCA of crosses were obtained significant differences for all characters. The parents viz., VRPK 310, Arka Suryamukhi, Arka Chandan, Pumpkin 73,