Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)

Abstract

Highly significant differences were observed among 67 diverse muskmelon genotypes from different
varietal groups studied for yield and yield contributing characters. Average fruit weight showed
the highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation closely followed by yield per plant.
The lowest value was recorded for number of fruits per plant followed by number of primary
branches, days to first pistillate flower opening and days to first fruit harvest. All the characters
exhibited less difference between GCV and PCV values and traits like days to first pistillate flower
opening, fruit length, node number of first fruit set showed nearly equal GCV and PCV values
indicating least influence of environment on their expression. The heritability estimates were
generally high (above 80%) for all the characters except number of fruits per plant (47.02%). The
maximum heritability was observed for seed length closely followed by fruit length. Genetic advance
as percentage of mean was highest for average fruit weight (kg) followed by fruit length (cm) and
yield per plant (kg). High heritability coupled with high GAM was observed for fruit length (97.69,
83.30%); heritability coupled with high to moderate genetic advance was observed for fruit length
and days from pollination to fruit harvest indicating that they are governed by additive genes and
could be effectively improved through selection.