Variation in chlorophyll and carotenoids content in bitter gourd genotypes at edible maturity stage

The present investigation was carried out using 22 exotic and indigenous bitter gourd lines and 23 hybrids. A field experiment was designed in a randomized block design with three replications. The samples of each genotype were analysed for chlorophylls, total carotenoids and lycopene content. Total chlorophyll content was recorded highest in genotype S-54 (488.1 μg g⁻¹ fresh weight) and among hybrids in hybrid BIGH - 6 (81.5 μg g⁻¹ fresh weight). The total carotenoids content was maximum in genotype DBG 7 (32.3 μg g⁻¹ fresh weight) and among hybrids in hybrid DBGy-201 × DBG-34 (27.5 μg g⁻¹ fresh weight) and lycopene content was highest in S 37 (21.9 μg g⁻¹ fresh weight and in hybrid DBGy-201 × DBG-34 (15.1μg g⁻¹ fresh weight). The genotypes with better fruit quality traits can be utilized in future breeding programme.