Genetic Evaluation and Assessment of Parthenocarpic Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Genotypes

The genetic diversity of fourteen quantitative and qualitative traits was evaluated across thirteen parthenocarpic cucumber genotypes in the northern plains of India. Based on overall performance, the hybrids Kian, Punjab Kheera Hybrid-11, and check variety (Punjab Kheera-1) were determined to be the most promising for fruit yield per plant and several other horticultural attributes. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation for traits such as the nodal position of the first female flower, the number of female flowers per node, the number of fruits per plant, and marketable yield per plant. Moderate variation was noted for days to anthesis of the first female flower, fruit length, internodal length, vine length, and total soluble solids. High heritability was observed for all traits except harvest duration. Traits such as the nodal position of the first female flower, the number of female flowers per node, fruit length, the number of fruits per plant, internodal length, and vine length exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. This indicates a predominance of additive gene action, suggesting that direct selection for these traits is advisable to enhance parthenocarpic cucumber production.