Character association and path coefficient analysis of indigenous and exotic bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) germplasm

Abstract

Fifty indigenous and exotic genotypes of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) were evaluated for 12 quantitative traits during spring-summer seasons of year 2008–09 and 2009–10, respectively and the pooled data was analysed. The mean, range, phenotypic and genotypic variance, genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability in broad sense and genetic advance were calculated. Path coefficient analysis was carried out using correlation coefficients to know the yield- contributing traits having true associations with yield/plant. Improvement in yield/plant can be achieved by selection using the correlation and path analysis data generated in this study. Ovary length, fruit L: D ratio, fruit weight and number of fruits/plant were positively correlated with yield/plant. Number of fruits/plant, fruit weight, ovary length and fruit L: D ratio also had high phenotypic and genotypic direct effects on yield/plant, revealing that indirect selection for these traits would be effective in improving yield/plant. Higher genotypic coefficient of variance along  with high heritability and genetic advance for number of fruits/plant and fruit weight would also be of great use for indirect selection for improvement in yield/plant. The material used in the study is of diverse nature and can be used in the breeding programme for development of improved genotypes in bitter gourd.