Genetic variability studies for horticultural traits in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)

Genetic variability parameters were estimated for yield and yield attributing traits in twenty five genotypes of muskmelon during kharif, 2017 at College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta, Andhra Pradesh in randomized block design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed a highly significant difference for all the traits studied indicating a sufficient amount of variability exists in the genotypes. With respect to per se performance, the accession Suvarna was found to be better in performance for vine length and number of fruits per plant while maximum TSS, total sugars, fruit firmness and beta carotene was recorded by Alpur-1. In general, no single accession was found to be a better per se performer for all the traits under study. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation coupled with heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for fruit firmness, β- carotene, yield per plant, fruit volume and number of fruits per plant.