Genetic analysis of yield and quality traits through variability, heritability and genetic advance in Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Abstract:

The present investigation was carried out during z aid season 2024-25 at the Main Experimental Station, Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Thirty bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) genotypes were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications to estimate genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for eighteen yield and quality traits. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all traits studied, confirming the presence of considerable genetic variability in the experimental material. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was consistently higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits, though the narrow difference between them indicated that the variability was predominantly genetic in nature. High GCV and PCV were recorded for vine length, reflecting substantial genetic variability for this trait. Broad-sense heritability ranged from 43.29% (seed flesh ratio) to 98.84% (average fruit weight). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for vine length, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, dry matter content, fruit diameter and fruit length, indicating the predominance of additive gene action and the effectiveness of direct selection for these traits. Among all genotypes, NDK-9/24 recorded the highest fruit yield per plant (1.38 kg), while NDK-5/24 showed the highest ascorbic acid content (42.70 mg/100 g). The findings suggest that direct phenotypic selection for vine length, average fruit weight and fruit yield per plant would be highly effective for developing superior bitter gourd genotypes with improved yield potential and quality.