Assessment of genetic variability and heritable components governing growth, flowering, yield and quality attributes in an f₂ population of sponge gourd [Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem.] Derived from the cross HR-6 × SG-3
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The present study estimated genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for twenty growth, flowering, yield and quality traits in the F2 population of sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem.) derived from the cross HR-6 × SG-3, raised during the late kharif season at KRCCH, Arabhavi. Two growth traits, number of primary branches at 45 DAS (PCV 11.05%, GCV 10.07%) and vine length at 45 DAS (PCV 11.17% and GCV 9.69%), showed moderate coefficients of variation, while the remaining eighteen traits remained in the low (<10%) category. Heritability was high (>60%) for seventeen of the twenty traits, being highest for average fruit weight (95.30%), node at which the first female flower appears (92.52%) and total leaf area (91.21%) and total soluble solids was the only trait with moderate heritability (57.31%). Genetic advance as per cent of mean did not exceed 20% for any trait but was moderate (10-20%) for thirteen traits, led by number of primary branches at 45 DAS (18.89%), node at first female flower appearance (17.36%) and vine length at 45 DAS (17.32%). The combination of moderate coefficients of variation, high heritability and the highest genetic advance recorded for the two early growth traits indicates a comparatively strong additive genetic component for vegetative vigour in this cross, making them the most promising traits for direct selection, whereas total soluble solids and fruit diameter, with the lowest genetic advance recorded, are likely to require alternative breeding strategies for improvement.
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7210295461