Genetic Variability for Quantitative Traits in Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.)

The selection of the superior traits in plants is one of the important phenomena of natural selection. Genetic variability in plants is also considered one of the important bases of natural selection, which can open a new way of trait selection in crops. The present investigation was carried out during Zaid 2022, with the aims of estimating genetic variability and working out heritability in a broad sense and genetic advance in per cent of mean to determine the scope of improvement among 30 genotypes, including a check variety Narendra Pooja in bottle gourd. The experiment was sown on 10 March 2022. All the recommended agronomic package of practices and plant protection measures were followed to raise a good crop. Observations were recorded on 16 quantitative characters. The highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for the number of seeds per fruit, followed by seed weight per fruit, seed yield per plant, internodal length, vine length, mature fruit equatorial circumference, and node at first pistillate flower appearance. Heritability ranged from 20 per cent (days to 50% staminate flower anthesis) to 99.50 per cent (seed weight per fruit), and genetic advance in per cent of mean ranged from 3.28 per cent (days to 50% staminate flower anthesis) to 157.27 per cent (Number of seeds per fruit). The estimates of high heritability seed yield per plant, 100 seeds weight, number of seeds per fruit, seed weight per fruit, inter-nodal length, number of nodes per vine, number of primary branches, vine length, mature fruit equatorial circumference, mature fruit polar length, and edible fruit equatorial circumference. Therefore, from the above obtained results, it is possible to deduce that the characteristics will result in successful crop improvement for better seed yield and yield-attributing characters. The characters showing high heritability, coupled with genetic advances, provide a broad way for the improvement in genotypes for specific characters. The information may further help the breeders in formulating appropriate strategies aimed at getting higher yields and character improvement in bottle gourd.