Heterosis Studies in Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangula L. Roxb.) in F1 Hybrid Involving Male Sterile Line

The experiment was carried out during the 2010–11 planting season, in Vegetable Research Centre, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissure, Kerala. Among the agricultural crops, vegetables are most extensively utilized for the exploitation of heterosis through hybrid varieties. Ridge gourd, being predominantly monoecious, is a cross-pollinated crop and provides ample scope for utilization of the hybrid vigor. The estimation of heterosis for yield and its component characters would, therefore, be useful to judge the best hybrid combinations for exploitation of superior hybrids. The F1 hybrid (MS × Arka Sumeet) exhibited significant heterobeltiosis for days to emergence of first female flower, node to first male flower, node to female flower, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant. High heterosis exhibited by the F1 hybrid (MS × Arka Sumeet) indicates the scope of exploiting the male sterile line in heterosis breeding. Availability of suitable pollination control system and the extent of out crossing between female and male parents, existence of exploitable level of heterosis and feasibility of hybrid seed production on large scale are the key factors determining the success of commercial exploitation of heterosis in ridge gourd. F1 hybrid (MS × Arka Sumeet) performed better than genotypes 6.4 kg yield/plant.