Estimation of gene action and combining ability of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Gene action and combining ability for some traits were analyzed in 49 crosses along with their 14parents in randomized complete block design consist of three replications. All the characters underinvestigation showed high significant difference for genotypes, general and specific combining ability.The SCA effect for all the character greater than GCA effects that showed variance due to non-additivegene action for all the characters. The parent DBG-35 is good combiner for node at which first femaleflowers appear, number of fruits per plant, days to last harvest and vitamin-C. The parents PunjabKareli-1, Arka Harit, Pant Karela were good combiner for number of fruits per plant, total andmarketable yield and days to last harvest. However, Punjab-14, PAUBG-4, PAUBG-13 and Arka Haritawere good combiner for total sugar. The cross PAUBG-4 x Pant Karela was recorded highest significantSCA effect for day to first female flowers appear, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, total andmarketable yield. The hybrid Punjab-14 x PAUBG-20 and PAUBG-13 x VR-1 were showed highestsignificant for SCA effects for vitamin-C and total sugar, respectively.