Variability, correlation and path analysis studies in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Twenty eight F₁ crosses developed from 8 x 8 diallel analysis excluding reciprocals were evaluated at Model Orchard, College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during 2011–12 to determine the various parameters of genetic variability and nature of interrelationships among traits affecting yield in bitter gourd. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences for all the characters studied. High heritability in association with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for yield/vine, number of fruits/vine, average fruit weight, fruit length, vine length and number of laterals/vine. Yield/vine expressed positive and significant genotypic association with number of fruits/vine, average fruit weight, vine length, number of laterals/vine and fruit length whereas significant negative association with sex ratio, days to 1^st female flower and node number at 1^st female flower appeared. Path analysis studies revealed that number of fruits/vine is the most important yield attributing trait followed by average fruit weight. Hence, due emphasis should be given to these traits while selecting the genotypes for improvement of yield in bitter gourd.