Estimation of Genetic Diversity in Ridge Gourd Hybrid (Luffa acutangula L.)

Author: Suvedha M., Marichamy M.S., Kanthaswamy V., Vengadessan V. and Manikandan M.

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Abstract

This study, conducted at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal, U.T. of Puducherry, during the rabi season of 2021–2022, aimed to assess the genetic divergence among 18 ridge gourd hybrids. Employing a randomized block design with two replications, 18 traits were evaluated to understand the genetic makeup of the hybrids. Clustering analysis revealed eight distinct clusters, with varying numbers of hybrids in each. Cluster II displayed the highest diversity with five hybrids, followed by cluster VI with three. The average intra-cluster distances ranged from 349.996 to 486.754, indicating varying degrees of diversity among clusters. Fruit yield per plant (91.50 percent) was the most influential trait contributing to genetic divergence, followed by total soluble solids (3.27 percent), number of fruits per vine (2.61 percent), individual fruit weight (1.96 percent), and vitamin C content (0.65 percent). Notably, hybrids Deepika from cluster VIII, SW 1212 from cluster VI, and Vinayak F1 from cluster VI demonstrated superior characteristics, offering potential for future crop improvement endeavours. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing ridge gourd hybrids for enhanced agricultural outcomes.

Keywords

Clusters genetic divergence, ridge gourd, D2 analysis, cluster analysis

Conclusion

The genetic divergence analysis conducted in this study unveiled a significant presence of genetic diversity among the 18 ridge gourd hybrids, resulting in their classification into eight distinct clusters. Cluster II emerged as the largest cluster, comprising five hybrids, followed by cluster VI, which encompassed three hybrids. Clusters I, III, IV, and V were composed of two hybrids each. Intriguingly, clusters VII and VIII were found to be mono-genotypic, indicating that they harbor the most diverse hybrids. Notably, the greatest diversity was observed between cluster VII and VIII, as reflected by the maximum inter-cluster distance. Cluster VIII exhibited higher cluster values for crucial parameters like fruit yield per vine, vine length at final harvest, number of primary branches per vine, number of female flowers per vine, number of seeds per fruit, and number of fruits per vine. Additionally, these hybrids displayed early traits, such as early female flower anthesis and fewer days to reach 50 percent flowering. Among the 18 traits investigated, fruit yield per vine demonstrated the highest contribution towards genetic diversity, followed by total soluble solids and number of fruits per vine. The application of hierarchical clustering through agglomerative cluster analysis effectively grouped the 18 hybrids into eight clusters. Notably, this analysis revealed no discernible correlation between geographical and genetic diversity within the population. Hybrids from different geographic locations were clustered together, emphasizing the need for genetic assessment beyond geographical parameters. Furthermore, the hybrids Deepika from cluster VIII, SW 1212, and Vinayak F1 from cluster VI exhibited superior characteristics. These hybrids hold promising potential for future crop development programs, given their substantial contributions to genetic diversity and notable individual performance. This study provides invaluable insights into the genetic diversity of ridge gourd hybrids, offering a foundation for prospective endeavours in crop improvement.

References

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How to cite this article

Suvedha M., Marichamy M.S., Kanthaswamy V., Vengadessan V. and Manikandan M. (2023). Estimation of Genetic Diversity in Ridge Gourd Hybrid (Luffa acutangula L.). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 352-357.