Genetic variability and inter-relationship among some ridgegourd (Luffa acutangula L.) accessions under foot hills of Arunachal Pradesh

Ten ridge-gourd accessions were evaluated during Kharif, 2011 to estimate the magnitude of genetic variability and the character association among some yield characters. The results revealed wide genetic variability among the accessions. The genotypic coefficient of variation and heritability estimates were high in days to 50% germination, vine length, fruit length and fruit yield per plant. However, genotypic coefficient of variation and heritability estimates were low in number of branches per plant and fruit weight. Vine length, fruit length, number of fruits per plant and fruit weight had a significant (P < 0.01) positive correlation with fruit yield per plant. Path analysis revealed that number of fruits per plant and fruit weight had the highest positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant. The results indicated that vine length, fruit length, number of fruits per plant and fruit weight can be used as selection criteria to increase fruit yield in ridge gourd.