Analysis of Genetic Variability and Potential for Genetic Improvement in Sponge Gourd [Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem.] through Heritability and Genetic Advance
Thokchom Premeshwori Devi
Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya-224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
C.N. Ram
Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya-224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Aastik Jha
Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya-224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
D. K. Upadhyay
*
Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya-224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Vaishnavi Warrier
Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya-224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Kotha Keerthana
Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya-224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study assessed the genetic variability, heritability, and genetic progress of 25 genotypes of sponge gourd [Luffa cylindrica L. (Roem.)]. In this randomized block design experiment with three replications, twenty yield and quality characteristics were evaluated. The significant differences between genotypes discovered by the analysis of variance demonstrate the high level of genetic diversity. Traits like dry matter content, chlorophyll content, vine length, and number of primary branches showed high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability, and genetic advancement, suggesting their potential for effective selection and genetic advancement. Certain genotypes, such as VRSG-517 and NDSG-23-1, showed superior performance in yield from that of the check variety (Pusa Chikni). The findings indicate that traditional breeding operations can consistently address these traits to produce improved cultivars of sponge gourd.
Keywords: GCV, PCV, genetic advance, genetic variability, heritability, sponge gourd