Genetic variability and breeding potential in the F₂ and backcross populations of interspecific crosses between ‘Satputia’ (Luffa hermaphrodita Singh and Bhandari) and sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica (roem.) L.)

The genetic divergence between two parents creates the potential populations carrying a good selection efficiency of different qualitative and quantitative traits, for which a breeder seeks improvement in a particular crop. The genetic potential displayed through genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance of the quantitative traits usually describe the breeding values of a cross. In the present investigation, we evaluated the F₂ and backcross populations of two interspecific crosses between ‘Satputia’ and sponge gourd for genetic variability. All the traits of these wide cross populations had a wide range of variability. GCV, PCV, heritability, and genetic advance remained on the higher side for leaf length, leaf width, and internodal length, while moderate for fruit length, fruit weight, and fruits per plant. Most of the other traits carried a low expression of genetic variability with a high influence of the environment. The vine yield was positively and significantly correlated with fruits per vine and fruit weight in all the populations. However, the association of other traits varied in different F₂ and backcrosses populations. It was concluded that BC₁P₂ populations of both the crosses had been most appropriate for crop improvement concerning the quantitative horticultural traits and yield potential.