Assessment of general and specific combining ability in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) for the improvement of qualitative characters

In the Summer and Kharif seasons of the year 2022, an experiment was conducted, in which 7 parents and 21 hybrids were evaluated at the Vegetable Experimental Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh. The general combining ability (GCA) of the parents and specific combining ability (SCA) of the hybrids for vital qualitative traits were assessed. Among the parents, Kashi Mayuri, Preethi, IC-44418 and IC-68314 were identified as good general combiners, showing potential for combining various quality components. The hybrids IC-469512 x Special Boldar, IC-433630 x IC-469512 and Preethi x IC-68314 were identified as the best specific combiners. Traits controlled by non-additive gene action were deemed suitable for improvement through recurrent selection and heterosis breeding. The best specific combiners were recommended for further evaluation in multilocational trials to assess their stability and performance, with the aim of potentially releasing them as hybrids or varieties.