The Indian gene centre has rich diversity in genetic resources of Luffa species. A large numbtir of diverse germplasm are available. At the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, systematic attempts have been made for germplasm collection, evaluation and conservation, and since 1986, 216 accessions in ridgegourd (Luffa acutangula), 144 in sporgegourd (L. cylindrica), and 16 in satputiya (L. hermaphrodita) have been collected. These collections were evaluated systematically for 50 agro-botonical and economic characters and found to vary in vine length, sex type, fruit shape, number of fruiting nodes, fruiting potential, marketable fruit yield and span of fruiting period etc. Some promising lines in ridgegourd, spongegourd and in L. hermaphrodita have been identified. Gynoecious lines are available and can be used for production of hybrids. L. cylindrica as female is easily crossable with L. acutangula as male. Its origin, botany and geographic distribution have also been discussed.
Lulta species, genetic diversity, exploration, evaluation, distribution/domestication
