Analysis of Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient in Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) Genotypes

Author: Ujyol Rai, Suchand Datta, Safal Rai and Bandan Thapa

Journal Name:

Download PDF

Abstract

Genetic variability and its proper characterization are of vital importance in hybridisation programme of a crop for making a successful rapid improvement. In India, there is a wide range of genetic variability in pumpkin but, not much attention has been given to its improvement programme. Moreover, pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.) are grown as a summer crop in Terai region of West Bengal and no suitable genotypes are available for winter season cultivation. Hence, the present study focuses on identifying and conserving the superior genotypes for off-season to facilitate the future breeding programme. The present experiment was carried out at the experimental field of the department, Vegetable and Spice Crops, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India with thirty one genotypes of pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) collected from the hills of West Bengal and North East region of India during the Rabi season of 2020-21. The genetic variability, correlation and path analysis of various attributes was analysed with the help of GENRES statistical software. The analysis of variances revealed significant difference among the genotypes which confirms the presence of good genetic variability. The highest PCV was observed in vitamin A content of the fruit (48.54%) while, the highest GCV was observed in average fruit weight (47.84%). However, for most of the traits the difference between PCV and GCV were minimum which indicates that the studied traits were least effected by environment. Heritability in broad sense and genetic advance was very high to high for most of the traits under study. The vine length, fruit length, fruit diameter, flesh thickness, seed cavity diameter, fruits per plant and average fruit weight was significantly and positively correlated with fruit yield per plant. The path coefficient analysis suggested that the fruit diameter (0.701) exerted the highest positive and direct effect on fruit yield followed by primary branches (0.452) and fruits per plant (0.447) which indicates a true relationship between these traits and yield per plant.

Keywords

Correlation, genotypes, genetic variability, path analysis, pumpkin

Conclusion

According to the findings of this study, for each of the thirty one pumpkin genotypes, significant differences were found, showing a wide range of variability that can be used to select a potential genotype. Characters such as average fruit weight, fruits per plant, and fruit yield per plant exhibit substantial genetic and phenotypic variance, as well as high heritability and genetic advance in the percent of mean, and can be utilised for pumpkin genotype selection. The character fruit diameter could be regarded as the principal trait as it had the greatest positive direct influence on fruit yield as well as a highly significant positive correlation. While, other traits like average fruit weight, seed cavity diameter, and flesh thickness should also be prioritised because they have been shown to have a strong correlation with fruit yield in plants. Therefore, selection made based on these traits would help to increase the fruit yield of pumpkins.

References

-

How to cite this article

Ujyol Rai, Suchand Datta, Safal Rai and Bandan Thapa (2023). Analysis of Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient in Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) Genotypes. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(4): 562-569.