Variability and genetic divergence studies for economic traits in indigenous oriental pickling melon (Cucumis melo var. conomon) genotypes

Abstract

Fifteen indigenous genotypes of oriental pickling melon were planted in randomized block design during August, 2008 and were assessed to know the nature and magnitude of variability and genetic divergence for fifteen quantitative traits. High values of genotypic coefficient of variance along with high heritability and genetic advance were recorded for first female flowering node, number of fruits per vine, average fruit weight, fruit flesh thickness, fruit cavity size and total yield per vine. Hence, these characters should be given more emphasis while making selection for high yielding genotypes. On the basis of genetic divergence, the fifteen genotypes were grouped into five clusters irrespective of geographical diversity. Cluster II topped in having eight genotypes while the clusters IV and V were solitary. Total fruit yield per vine (66.67 %) contributed maximum towards the total diversity followed by fruit cavity size (21.90%), fruit flesh thickness (3.81%), fruit dry weight (3.81%) and first female flowering node (1.9%). The maximum inter cluster D2 value (1720) was observed between clusters V and IV indicating greater diversity among the genotypes and availability of better parents for developing novel hybrids. CMC GKVK 10 can be utilized in breeding programmes to transfer most of the desirable traits.

Keywords

• oriental pickling melon
• variability
• genetic diversity
• d2 statistics