Diversity and variability for yield and horticultural traits in bitter gourd

Genetic divergence along with variability parameters of sixteen horticultural traits were studied in eighteen bitter gourd genotypes. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for fruit yield per vine, average fruit weight, total soluble solids, number of fruits per vine, vine length and fruit length suggesting early generation improvement for these traits. The multivariate analysis also reflected considerable genetic diversity in the genotypes studied and were grouped in five clusters with maximum number of genotypes in cluster I. Ascorbic acid content contributed maximum towards total genetic divergence followed by total soluble solids and fruit yield per vine. Hence, the traits namely ascorbic acid, total soluble solids, fruit yield per vine, vine length, number of fruits per vine and fruit length will enable better selection outcomes in the form of superior genotypes in bitter gourd.