Cluster analysis by using D2 statistics among the various bitter gourd(Momordica charantia L.) genotypes under Northern hilly regions of Kashmir

Thirty-three bitter gourd genotypes were evaluated to estimate the per se performance, genetic variability and cluster analysis for growth and yield traits. Per se performance demonstrated that the genotypes viz., Phule Green Goal, B.G. Kantedar and NDBG-3 are high yielders, whereas, NDBG-5 and Pant Karela-1 were earlier in flowering. The higher magnitude of coefficient of variation at phenotypic as well as genotypic levels were observed for fruit yield per plant, total chlorophyll content and node number to anthesis of first pistillate flower. The presence of high heritability in broad sense (h2bs) along with high genetic advance in per cent of meanwere observed for total chlorophyll content, node number to anthesis of first female flower and vine length. Estimates of cluster analysis revealed that 33 genotypes were grouped into six distinct clusters. Maximum inter- cluster distances were observed between clusters IV and VI, cluster III and VI, cluster II and VI and cluster IV and V, whereas, maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster I. The crosses between the genotypes of cluster IV with VI and Cluster III with VI are likely to exhibit high hybrid vigour and could produce recombinants with desired traits in segregating generations.