Selection parameters for downy mildew disease, fruit yield and related traits in ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb.) L.]

Forty one genotypes of ridge gourd were evaluated in augmented design with three checks. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all the traits. High PCV, GCV, heritability, genetic advance were observed for number of branches at 45 and 90 DAS, nodes up to first pistillate flower appearance, number of fruits per vine, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit yield per vine, Per cent Disease Index (PDI) for downy mildew at 45, 60 and 75 DAS and fruit fly incidence. Positive and significant association was observed for fruit yield per vine with vine length at 45 and 90 DAS, number of branches at 45 and 90 DAS number of fruits per vine, fruit length. Fruit yield per vine was negative and significantly associated with days to first male flowering, nodes up to first female flowering, days to first harvest, flesh thickness, days to first appearance of downy mildew symptoms and per cent disease index for downy mildew. In open field screening for downy mildew has led to identification of two resistant genotypes (COHRG-9 and COHB-32), two moderately resistant lines (COHB-10 and COHB-40) and one was highly susceptible (COHB-8) whereas remaining genotypes were exhibited moderately susceptible and susceptible reaction to downy mildew in ridge gourd.