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 1^st male flower. Days to 1^st female flower opening, node bearing 1^st female flower, fruit diameter and yield showed presence of duplicate epistasis whereas days to 1^st 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 1^st female flower, fruit length, fruit diameter and yield showed presence of duplicate epistasis whereas days to 1^st female flower opening, days to 1^st 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 1^st male flower.