Variability studies in F3 population of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) for yield and yield attributing traits

Different parameters were estimated to assess the magnitude of genetic variability in F3 population of four crosses viz., cross-1 (VRG-24 x VRG-13), cross-2 (Swarna Manjari x Arka Prasan), cross-3 (Swarna Manjari x VRG-16) and (Arka Prasan x VRG-16). The analysis of variance indicated the prevalence of sufficient genetic variation among the genotypes from all the characters studied. The high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were observed for node of first male flower, node of first female flower, number of male flowers per vine, sex ratio, fruit set percentage, average fruit weight, rind thickness, number of seeds per fruit, number of fruits per vine and fruit yield per vine. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for node of first male flower, node of first female flower, number of male flowers per vine, number of female flowers per vine, sex ratio, fruit set percentage, fruit length, fruit girth, average fruit weight, rind thickness, flesh thickness, number of seeds per fruit, number of fruits per vine and fruit yield per vine indicating these characters are governed by additive gene action. Hence, direct selection may be followed for the improvement of ridge gourd for these characters.