Generation mean analysis of important yield traits in Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia)

Abstract

Generation mean analysis study in bitter gourd was undertaken using six basic generations viz. P1, P2, F1, F2, B1 and B2 population derived from crossing gynoecious line (IIHRBTGy - 491) with two monoecious lines (IIHR Sel -19 -1 and IIHR Sel-78-4). The gynoecious parent was superior for node for first female flowering, number of fruits and yield/plant whereas the monoecious parents were superior for fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight. The superior performance of F1 over better parent indicated over-dominance of these traits. F2 plants were significantly diverse. B1 and B2 population exhibited mean value closure to their recurrent parents. Significance of one or more scaling tests, i.e. A, B, C and D in most of the traits revealed the presence of epistasis in both the crosses except for node bearing 1st male flower. Days to 1st female flower opening, node bearing 1st female flower, fruit diameter and yield showed presence of duplicate epistasis whereas days to 1st male flower opening, number of fruits per plant, fruit length and fruit weight showed complimentary epistasis in IIHRBTGy - 491 × IIHR Sel -19 -1 cross. Node bearing 1st female flower, fruit length, fruit diameter and yield showed presence of duplicate epistasis whereas days to 1st female flower opening, days to 1st male flower opening, number of fruits and fruit weight showed complimentary epistasis in IIHRBTGy - 491× IIHR Sel-78-4 cross. Additive gene action may be predominant for inheritance of node bearing 1st male flower.

Keywords

• bitter gourd
• epistatic interactions
• gene action
• scaling test