Genetic variability for growth and yield attributes in watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansf]

An experiment was conducted to study the genetic variation in fifteen genotypes of watermelon. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference among the genotypes for the traits studied. The PCV and GCV were moderate for vine length, number of primary branches/plant, internodal length, number of nodes/plant and fruit yield. High estimates of heritability were recorded for days to first fruit harvest. Moderate heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance was observed for number of primary branches/plant, internodal length and number of nodes/plant.