Genetic studies in F₃ Progenies of muskmelon (Cucumis Melo L.)

Genetic variability, genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability and genetic advance analysis were undertaken for twenty four characters while correlation analysis was undertaken for twelve characters of seven genotypes of muskmelon obtained from the cross Hara Madhu x IVMM-3 in F₃ generation. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation and high heritability estimates associated with high values of genetic advance as percent of mean were observed for final vine length, number of primary branches per vine, number of male and female flowers per vine, sex ratio, node at which first female flower appeared, number of fruits per vine, fruit yield per vine, average weight of fruit, average length of fruit, average rind thickness, average pulp thickness, average fruit cavity, average weight of pulp per fruit, average weight of seed per fruit, T.S.S. and non reducing sugar which indicated additive gene action for these characters, which could be improved by simple selection method. Fruit yield per vine showed highly significant positive correlation with final vine length, number of primary branches per vine, number of female flowers per vine, number of fruits per vine, average weight of fruit, average length of fruit, average diameter of fruit and average weight of pulp per fruit. It is suggested that characters viz., number of female flowers per vine, number of fruits per vine, average weight of fruit, average length of fruit, average rind and pulp thickness, average weight of pulp per fruit should be given priority for selecting high yielding genotypes.