Genetic variability studies in bitter gourd for zero irrigated condition of semi-arid ecosystem

The study was undertaken with forty-six genotypes of bitter gourd collected from diversified areas of the country assessed under zero irrigation condition for mean, genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in respect of fourteen quantitative characters. The genotype MCC-23 recorded the highest number of primary branches per plant, fruit yield per plot and fruit weight. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation for different characters ranged from 6.375 to 37.251 and 8.373 to 38.630 respectively. The highest PCV and GCV were observed for number of female flowers per plant followed by fruit weight and number of primary branches per plant indicating the extent of variability based in these characters. High heritability coupled with greater genetic gain was observed for number of female flowers per plant followed by fruit weight, number of primary branches per plant and yield per plot indicating the additive gene action. Fruit girth showed moderate heritability with low genetic gain