Genotypic and phenotypic variability in watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus)

Sixty-six genotypes of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) were evaluated for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and its contributing characters during Summer 2019. Analysis of variance showed significant variation in all of the characters studied, indicating sufficient variability. Wide range of variation was observed for the characters, such as fruit girth, diameter, length and yield, as well as length of the vine. Maximum genotypicand phenotypic coefficient of variation (GCV and PCV) was observed for average fruit weight, seed size, fruit diameter and total soluble sugar content. Higher heritability was exhibited by seed size (0.68), average fruit weight (0.88), total soluble sugar (0.74), fruit length (0.87) and fruit diameter (0.56). Maximum genetic advance, as per cent of mean, was observed for seed size (57.17), average fruit weight (83.54), total soluble sugar (30.64), length of fruit (33.05) and fruit diameter (29.34). High heritability coupled with high genetic advanced was noted for seed size, average fruit weight, total soluble sugar, fruit length and fruit diameter, indicating that the heritability was probably due to additive gene effect indicating scope for selection. Linear association between fruit yield and seed size, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth and vine length was observed.