Inheritance of gynoecism and genetics of yield and yield contributing traits through generation mean analysis in bitter gourd

The phenotypic ratio of 3:1 (monoecious vs gynoecious) in bitter gourd confirmed the monogenic recessive inheritance of gynoecism trait. Further investigation on gene action in the cross DBGy 201 × S-2 and DBGy 201 × Pusa Do Mausami by generation mean analysis revealed duplicate epistasis for most of the traits including node at which first female flower appear, days to first flowering, days to first harvestable maturity, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight and yield suggesting the possibilities of obtaining transgressive segregants in later generations. Moreover, significant additive and non-additive gene effect for traits like node at which first female flower appear, days to first flowering, days to first harvestable maturity and fruit diameter indicates use of reciprocal recurrent selection or bi-parental mating for improvement of these traits. Non-additive gene action was significant for number of fruits per plant, fruit length, weight and yield inferring heterosis breeding as the best option for obtaining higher gain in these characters.