Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Yield Parameters and Fruit and Seed Quality Parameters in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Fifty two cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) genotypes were evaluated for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance during 2009–10. In the present investigation variance due to genotypes was highly significant (p=0.01) for sex ratio, average fruit weight (g), length of fruit (cm), circumference of fruit (cm), number of fruits per vine (g), flesh thickness (cm), total soluble solids (gm), number of seeds per fruit and hundred seed weight(gm). Moderate to high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was observed for number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per vine. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance over mean was observed for viz., number of fruits per vine, fruit yield per vine (g), and number of seeds per fruit indicating the predominance of additive components and hence these traits can be improved by fallowing simple selection. High heritability with low genetic advance over mean was observed for length of fruit and flesh thickness indicating the predominance of non-additive gene action where hybridization with divergent genotypes can result into transgressive segregants.