Studies on Genetic Components in Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.]

The performance, genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlation for yield and yield contributing characters namely total yield per vine (kg), number of fruits per vine, average weight of fruit (g), average length of fruit (cm), average diameter of fruit(cm), daysto first male flower, days to firstfemale flower, node number at which first male flower appearance, node number at which first female flower appearance, sex ratio, days to 50% flowering, days to first fruit harvest, number of primary branches, vine length (cm) in bottle gourd genotypes were studied. Significant variations were observed for all the characters among all the genotypes studied in the experiment. Highest genotypic and phenotypic variations were observed for total yield per vine followed by number of primary branches and number of fruits per vine. Total yield per vine (kg), number of primary branches, number of fruits per vine and node number at which first male flower appearance showed high heritability with high genetic advance. Total yield per vine was found to be positively and significantly correlated with vine length, number of primary branches and number of fruits per vine. High heritability accompanied by a high genetic advance, indicate the predominance of additive gene action. Hence selection for these traits for improving yield per vine in bottle gourd is suggested.