Comparative analysis of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L.) genotypes based on quantitative and qualitative attributes

Ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L.), popularly known as angled gourd, angled loofah, Chinese okra, silky gourd, ribbed gourd and Kalitori or Herakayi locally, belongs to genus Luffa of “Cucurbitaceae” family. It requires warm and humid climate is favorable for its growth and development. An attempt was made to determine variability in yield and quality attributes among thirty-five genotypes of Ridge gourd collected from different parts of the country and grown under temperate conditions of valley. The results from the present investigation revealed that on the basis of mean performance the genotype “VRRG-25-2016” had the earliest opening of the first female flower (47.03) and took the fewest days to harvest (61.12). Maximum days for last picking were recorded in “VRRG-35-2016” (98.66). The genotype "VRRG-9-17" has the longest vines (496.33cm) and most primary branches (7.40). The genotype "VRRG-25-2017" had the largest average fruit weight (410g), whereas the genotype "VRRG-372016" had the longest average fruit length (40.87cm). The genotype “VRRG-37-2016”, had highest fruit yield per vine (3.41kg) followed by “VRRG-9-17 (3.34kg)”. Quality characteristics such as rind thickness were highest (4.73mm) in “VRRG-83” and mean flesh thickness were highest in "VRRG-181" (5.36cm). The genotype “VRRG-12-17”, “IC-262245” and IC-393298” has highest TSS (4.80 Brix) and Vitamin “C” was found highest in “VRRG-13-17” (4.47mg100g^-1). This variability present among the germplasm evaluated for yield and quality parameters can be effectively utilized for the improvement of ridge gourd. On the basis of mean performance VRRG-37-2016, VRRG-9-17 and VRRG-10-17 genotypes found superior and thrive best for Kashmir conditions.