The modern breeding programmes depends mostly on creating genetic variability along with simple selection and utilization of that variation present in selected genotypes to generate new breeding materials with traits of interest. Genetic variability among traits is essential for any crop improvement programme and in selecting desirable genetic material. The present investigation was undertaken to study the Variability and heritability studies in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia. L) genotypes. Field evaluation of six bittrgourd genotypes was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during June to September 2022. The genetic parameters such as component of variance, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path analysis were studied. Maximum variation was observed for yield per plot (38.36% and 37.81%) followed by fruit length (27.34% and 27.11%) and fruit diameter (26.90% and 26.67%). The heritability estimates of all the traits ranged from 0.82 to 0.99, which indicates the influence of additive gene effect on the expression of traits in bitter gourd. The highest genetic advance was observed for yield per plot (76.76%), followed by fruit length (55.37%) and fruit diameter (54.45%). Yield per plot showed significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation with yield per plant (0.97 and 0.95 respectively), fruit weight (0.89 and 0.85 respectively) and fruit length (0.94 and 0.91 respectively). High heritability, high genetic advance and high GCV values showed that the expression of different traits in bittergourd was less influenced by environmental factors and are controlled by additive genetic effects. Therefore simple selection is adequate in the crop improvement programme for the development of elite genotype.

Bittergourd, GCV, PCV, Correlation, Path analysis and Heritability

The phenotypic coefficient of variation was found to be slightly higher than genotypic coefficient of variation. This provides better scope for crop improvement programme in bittergourd. Heritability and genetic advance of almost all the characters are higher, which indicates the additive genetic effect of the inherited characters. Genotypic correlation was higher than the phenotypic correlation, except for days to first female flowering. This suggested the greater effectiveness of selection due to the less influence of environment. Path analysis showed that the fruit length was having higher positive direct effect on yield.

Syama S. Thampi and Sarada S. (2023). Variability and Heritability Studies in Bittergourd (Momordica charantia. L) Genotypes. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(11): 574-577.