Genetics of yield and yield components in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 1994-95 to study an 8

× 8 half diallel cross of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata
Duch.ex.Poir.)for yield and its attributing traits at 2 locations. The pooled analysis revealed pre-ponderance of dominance
and non-additive gene action for all the characters supported by low heritability in narrow sense. Pronounced epistasis
was observed for number of female flowers and fruits, average fruit weight and yield/plant. Over dominancewas prevalent
for all the traits. Frequent occurrence of dominant genes among parents for vine length and flesh thickness and recessive
genes for the remaining characters were indicated. Most dominant genes exerted positive effect. However, unequal distribution
of positive and negative alleles showing dominancein parents was recorded for all the characters except number of primary
branches/plant. Polygenic inheritance of yield and yield contributing characters were detected. Heterosis breeding was suggested
for improvement of yield and yield components in pumpkin.